Zesty Mexican Shrimp Cocktail (Coctel de Camarones): A Refreshing Seafood Appetizer

This vibrant Mexican shrimp cocktail (Coctel de Camarones) brings together succulent shrimp, fresh vegetables, and zesty citrus in a tomato-based sauce that’s perfect for warm weather entertaining. Unlike its American counterpart, this authentic Mexican appetizer features a spicy, tangy sauce that will transport your taste buds straight to a beachside restaurant in Mexico.

What Makes an Authentic Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Special?

Traditional coctel de camarones combines perfectly cooked shrimp with a medley of fresh ingredients like cucumber, jalapeño, and avocado. The sauce balances sweet, tangy, and spicy elements, creating a refreshing seafood appetizer that’s especially popular in coastal regions of Mexico.

This dish is commonly served in tall glasses or small bowls with saltine crackers on the side, making it perfect for casual gatherings or as a light meal on hot summer days.

Simple Ingredients for the Perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

For the Shrimp:

• 1 pound medium shrimp, peeled and deveined
• 2 tablespoons salt
• 1 bay leaf
• 3 cloves garlic, crushed
• 1/2 onion, quartered

For the Sauce:

• 1 cup ketchup
• 1/3 cup Spanish onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (about 2-3 limes)
• 1/4 cup orange juice (preferably fresh)
• 2 tablespoons hot sauce (like Valentina or Tapatio)
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/4 cup clam juice (optional but recommended for authentic flavor)

For the Mix-Ins:

• 1 large cucumber, peeled and diced
• 1-2 jalapeños, seeded and finely diced
• 2 medium avocados, diced
• 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped (for garnish)
• Lime wedges for serving
• Saltine crackers or tostadas for serving

Step-by-Step Instructions for Perfect Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

1. Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large pot, combine 4 cups of water with 2 tablespoons salt, bay leaf, crushed garlic, and quartered onion. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
2. Cook the shrimp: Once boiling, add shrimp to the pot and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Be careful not to overcook!
3. Cool the shrimp: Immediately drain shrimp and place in an ice bath to stop the cooking process. Once cooled, drain thoroughly and refrigerate until ready to use.
4. Prepare the sauce: In a large bowl, combine ketchup, chopped onion, cilantro, lime juice, orange juice, hot sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and clam juice (if using). Stir well to combine.
5. Chop the shrimp: Cut cooled shrimp into bite-sized pieces, leaving a few whole for garnish if desired.
6. Combine ingredients: Gently fold the chopped shrimp, diced cucumber, and jalapeño into the sauce mixture.
7. Chill thoroughly: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to blend. The longer it chills, the better the flavor (up to 4 hours).
8. Final assembly: Just before serving, gently fold in the diced avocado to prevent browning.
9. Serve in style: Spoon the cocktail into glasses or small bowls, garnish with additional cilantro, lime wedges, and whole shrimp (if reserved). Serve with saltine crackers or tostadas.

Tips for the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Shrimp size matters: Medium shrimp (36-40 count per pound) work best for this cocktail.
• Keep it fresh: The key to an amazing cocktail is using the freshest ingredients possible.
• Heat level: Adjust the amount of jalapeño and hot sauce to your preferred spice level.
• Make ahead: The base can be prepared up to a day in advance – just add the avocado right before serving.
• Serving suggestion: Traditional Mexican restaurants serve this cocktail in glass goblets or sundae glasses with a lime wedge on the rim.

Variations to Try with Your Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Seafood Medley: Add diced octopus, crab meat, or scallops for a mixed seafood cocktail (Campechana).
• Clamato Version: Replace some of the ketchup with Clamato juice for a more complex flavor.
• Extra Vegetables: Add diced jicama, celery, or radish for additional crunch and flavor.
• Tropical Twist: Include diced mango or pineapple for a sweeter variation that’s popular in coastal regions.

What to Serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

This versatile appetizer pairs wonderfully with:

• Saltine crackers (the traditional accompaniment)
• Crispy tostadas or tortilla chips
• Cold Mexican beer (like Corona or Modelo)
• Michelada (Mexican beer cocktail)
• As part of a larger Mexican-inspired spread with guacamole, ceviche, and quesadillas

Nutritional Information

Each serving of this Mexican shrimp cocktail contains approximately:

• Calories: 410 kcal
• Carbohydrates: 42 g
• Protein: 29 g
• Fat: 17 g
• Saturated Fat: 3 g
• Cholesterol: 221 mg
• Sodium: 2626 mg
• Fiber: 9 g
• Sugar: 21 g

Why You’ll Love This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

This refreshing Mexican shrimp cocktail is more than just an appetizer—it’s a celebration of vibrant flavors that come together in perfect harmony. Whether you’re hosting a summer gathering, looking for a light lunch, or simply craving something refreshingly different, this authentic coctel de camarones delivers with its perfect balance of tangy, spicy, and savory notes.