🍤 Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Cóctel de Camarón)
A refreshing and flavor-packed classic, perfect for summer gatherings or a light, satisfying appetizer.
If you’re looking for a dish that’s vibrant, zesty, and bursting with bold Mexican flavor, look no further than this Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (a.k.a. Cóctel de Camarón). With juicy shrimp, crisp veggies, creamy avocado, and a tangy tomato-lime sauce, this crowd-pleasing appetizer is a must-serve for hot days, family cookouts, or game-day snacking.
Unlike its American counterpart, Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is served cold, often in tall glasses with a spoon and a side of saltines or tostadas for scooping. It’s the kind of dish that hits all the right notes—cool, spicy, citrusy, and refreshing. Bonus: it comes together in minutes!
❤️ Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- 🧊 Served cold – perfect for warm weather!
- 🍅 Packed with fresh veggies and bold, tangy flavor
- 🦐 Loaded with protein from juicy, tender shrimp
- 🥑 Avocado adds creaminess to balance the heat
- 🎉 Ideal for parties, potlucks, or light meals
🛒 Ingredients
For the Shrimp and Vegetables:
- 2 lbs cooked shrimp, chilled (½ chopped, ½ left whole for presentation)
- 4 Roma tomatoes, finely chopped
- 1 white onion, finely chopped
- 2 jalapeños, finely chopped (remove seeds for less heat)
- ½ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
For the Sauce:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2 cups Clamato juice (or substitute with tomato juice for less tang)
- Juice of 1 orange (about ¼ cup)
- ¼ cup fresh lime juice (about 2 limes)
- 2 tbsp hot sauce (Valentina or Cholula recommended; adjust to taste)
- 1 tbsp salt
- 2 tsp black pepper
- 2 tsp garlic powder
For Serving:
- 2 avocados, diced (add just before serving)
- Saltine crackers, tostadas, or pork rinds for dipping
- Optional garnishes: extra cilantro, diced jalapeños, lime wedges
👩🍳 Step-by-Step Instructions
🥗 1. Prep the Vegetables
In a large mixing bowl, combine:
- Chopped tomatoes
- Onion
- Jalapeños
- Cilantro
Mix thoroughly and set aside.
🍤 2. Prepare the Shrimp
If starting with raw shrimp:
- Boil in salted water until pink and opaque (about 2–3 minutes).
- Drain and place in an ice bath or refrigerate until fully chilled.
Then:
- Chop half of the shrimp into small, bite-sized pieces.
- Leave the remaining shrimp whole for visual appeal.
- Add all shrimp to the vegetable mixture.
🥣 3. Mix the Sauce
To the bowl with shrimp and veggies, add:
- 2 cups ketchup
- 2 cups Clamato juice
- Juice of 1 orange
- ¼ cup lime juice
- Hot sauce
- Salt, black pepper, and garlic powder
Stir well until everything is evenly coated. Taste and adjust seasoning as needed.
🔥 Add more hot sauce if you prefer extra heat!
🥑 4. Add the Avocado
Just before serving:
- Dice the avocados and gently fold them into the shrimp cocktail.
- Be careful not to mash them—this adds creaminess without breaking up the texture.
❄️ 5. Chill (Optional)
If all ingredients were pre-chilled, you can serve immediately.
Otherwise:
- Cover and refrigerate for 30–60 minutes to let flavors meld.
🍽️ 6. Serve and Enjoy!
Spoon the cocktail into bowls or tall glasses for a classic presentation.
Serve with:
- Saltine crackers
- Tostadas
- Chicharrones (pork rinds)
- Garnish with lime wedges, cilantro, or extra hot sauce
🌟 Chef’s Tip: For a dramatic party platter, serve in a large bowl surrounded by chips or tostadas and let guests scoop their own!
🧠 Expert Tips & Variations
✅ Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time.
Just be sure they’re peeled, deveined, and chilled.
🧃 No Clamato juice?
Substitute with tomato juice and add a splash of Worcestershire or soy sauce for umami depth.
🥵 Want it spicier?
Leave in the jalapeño seeds, or add a few dashes of Tabasco, Tapatío, or Valentina Extra Hot.
🥒 Add-ins:
Try adding diced cucumber, radishes, or even mango for a refreshing twist.
⚠️ Important Notes
- Add avocado last to prevent it from browning or breaking down.
- Don’t over-stir once the avocado is in.
- Adjust salt and hot sauce after chilling—the flavors intensify as it rests.
- Make sure your shrimp are fully chilled before mixing to keep the dish cool and safe.
🔢 Nutritional Information (Approx. per serving – 6 servings)
- Calories: 280
- Protein: 22g
- Carbs: 18g
- Fat: 12g
- Fiber: 5g
- Sodium: 880mg (varies with ingredients used)
Values are estimates and will vary based on portion size and toppings.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions
Can I make this ahead of time?
Yes! Mix everything except the avocado up to 24 hours in advance. Add avocado just before serving for best texture and freshness.
Can I use frozen shrimp?
Absolutely. Just thaw completely, peel, and chill before using.
What’s the best hot sauce to use?
Traditional options include Valentina, Cholula, or Tapatío. Each adds its own unique flavor—choose your favorite!
How long does it last in the fridge?
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is best eaten within 2 days. Store in an airtight container. If avocado is already mixed in, expect some browning but it’s still safe to eat.
Can I make this without seafood?
Yes! Try it with imitation crab, cooked scallops, or even white beans for a vegetarian twist.
🥄 A Classic Mexican Favorite You’ll Crave Again and Again!
Whether you’re hosting a summer fiesta, looking for a light yet satisfying lunch, or just craving something bright, zesty, and refreshing, this Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail delivers every time. It’s easy to prepare, fun to serve, and guaranteed to impress.
Serve it chilled. Scoop it up. Savor every bite. 🌶️🍤🍅