Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

 

🍤 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones): A Zesty, Fresh Twist on a Classic

If you think shrimp cocktail is just a handful of cold shrimp with a side of cocktail sauce, think again. Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Coctel de Camarones, is a vibrant, bold, and refreshing dish that takes the classic up several notches — with bright flavors, fresh ingredients, and a spicy kick.

More than just an appetizer, this dish is a celebration in a glass — full of juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, crisp veggies, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce that ties it all together. Served chilled, it's the perfect warm-weather dish, whether you're hosting a backyard party, lounging poolside, or looking for something light and satisfying.

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🌟 Why You’ll Love Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• 🥑 Fresh, bold flavors in every bite

• 🔥 Customizable spice level — mild or fiery

• 🍅 Packed with texture — creamy, crunchy, and juicy all at once

• ❄️ Make-ahead friendly for stress-free entertaining

• 🥄 Serves as an appetizer or light meal

It's like shrimp ceviche meets Bloody Mary, with no raw seafood and all the flavor.

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📝 Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 lb cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-off preferred), chopped if large

• 1 cup tomato juice (or Clamato for more traditional flavor)

• 1/3 cup ketchup

• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice

• 2 tbsp hot sauce (Valentina or Cholula are great)

• 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced

• 1/2 cup cucumber, peeled and diced

• 1 medium tomato, diced

• 1–2 jalapeños, seeded and finely chopped (optional, for heat)

• 1 avocado, diced

• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped

• Salt and pepper, to taste

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👨‍🍳 Instructions:

1. Mix the sauce:
   In a large bowl, whisk together the tomato juice, ketchup, lime juice, and hot sauce until well combined. Season with salt and pepper.

2. Add the veggies:
   Stir in the red onion, cucumber, tomato, and jalapeño. Let it sit for 5–10 minutes to let the flavors begin to meld.

3. Add shrimp and avocado:
   Fold in the cooked shrimp and diced avocado. Gently stir to coat everything in the sauce.

4. Chill:
   Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving (or up to 4 hours). This dish is best served cold.

5. Serve:
   Spoon into small glasses or bowls. Garnish with extra cilantro, lime wedges, or a few slices of avocado on top.

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🍽️ How to Serve Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• In cocktail glasses for a fun party presentation

• Alongside saltine crackers, tortilla chips, or tostadas

• As a light lunch with a side of rice or salad

• In a lettuce cup for a low-carb option

• With ice-cold beer or a michelada for the full experience!

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🔄 Make It Your Own

• Add mango or pineapple for a sweet-spicy twist

• Use V8 juice instead of tomato juice for more veggie flavor

• Swap shrimp for crab or imitation crab for variety

• Prefer it chunky? Keep ingredients coarsely chopped

• Want it smoother? Blend the sauce ingredients before mixing

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❄️ Storage Tips

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is best enjoyed the day it’s made, but you can store leftovers for up to 2 days in the refrigerator. Just keep in mind that the avocado may soften or brown slightly (a squeeze of lime helps preserve it!).

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💬 Final Thoughts

Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is one of those dishes that looks impressive, tastes incredible, and takes very little effort to prepare. It’s refreshing, bold, and endlessly adaptable — making it perfect for warm days, special occasions, or just when you want to treat yourself to something that feels a little extra.

With this easy recipe, you’ll be able to bring the flavors of the coast straight to your table — no passport required.

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Light, zesty, and full of flavor — this is shrimp cocktail reimagined. 🌶️🍤🍅