Mary Shrimp Cocktail

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Mary Shrimp Cocktail is not your average seafood starter. With its tangy, spicy, and savory sauce, it offers a bold punch that complements the sweetness of the shrimp beautifully. It’s simple to make, requires minimal cooking, and can be prepared in advance. Serve it in cocktail glasses or small bowls for a classy presentation that’s always a hit at any gathering.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

• Large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
• Lemon wedges
• Salt
• Ice water (for shocking shrimp after cooking)
• Tomato ketchup
• Horseradish (prepared or freshly grated)
• Worcestershire sauce
• Hot sauce (such as Tabasco)
• Lemon juice
• Celery salt
• Black pepper
• Optional garnish: celery sticks, parsley, or cucumber slices

Directions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water with a few lemon wedges to a boil.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until just pink and opaque.
3. Immediately transfer cooked shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Chill until ready to serve.
4. In a mixing bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, celery salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Drain shrimp and pat dry.
6. Spoon sauce into serving glasses or small bowls and arrange shrimp around the rim or on top.
7. Garnish with lemon wedges, celery sticks, or fresh herbs as desired. Serve chilled.

Servings and timing

This recipe serves 4 to 6 people.
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 3 minutes
Chill time: 10–15 minutes
Total time: about 30 minutes

Variations

• Bloody Mary Shot Style: Serve in shot glasses with a small skewer of shrimp for party-ready bites.
• Spicy Upgrade: Add more hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra kick.
• Avocado Addition: Serve with sliced avocado for a creamy contrast to the spicy sauce.
• Mini Shrimp Cups: Serve in endive leaves or cucumber cups for easy finger food.
• Smoky Version: Add a splash of smoked paprika or chipotle sauce to the cocktail sauce.

Storage/Reheating

Store the cooked shrimp and sauce separately in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
Do not reheat the shrimp; this dish is meant to be served chilled.
If making ahead, combine just before serving to maintain optimal freshness and texture.
Freezing is not recommended, as shrimp can become rubbery once thawed.

FAQs

What’s the difference between classic and Mary shrimp cocktail?

The Mary version includes Bloody Mary-inspired ingredients like Worcestershire, hot sauce, and celery salt for a spicier, tangier flavor.

Can I use pre-cooked shrimp?

Yes, just make sure they’re high quality, well-chilled, and not overly salty. Skip the boiling step and go straight to assembling.

How spicy is this dish?

It has a mild to medium heat. You can easily adjust the spice level with more or less hot sauce or horseradish.

What kind of shrimp should I buy?

Large or jumbo shrimp with the tail on are best for presentation and easy dipping.

Can I make the cocktail sauce ahead of time?

Yes, it actually tastes better when the flavors meld. Make it up to 2 days in advance and keep refrigerated.

Do I need to devein the shrimp?

Yes, for both presentation and cleanliness. Many store-bought options come deveined already.

What’s the best way to serve it at a party?

Serve in martini or wine glasses with the shrimp draped over the rim and sauce inside. Add lemon and celery for garnish.

Can I substitute the ketchup?

Tomato purée or chili sauce can be used, but ketchup gives the right balance of sweetness and tang.

What can I serve with Mary Shrimp Cocktail?

It pairs well with crackers, crusty bread, or a light salad. For drinks, try it with a Bloody Mary or crisp white wine.

Is this dish gluten-free?

Yes, as long as your Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free. Double-check labels to be sure.

Conclusion

Mary Shrimp Cocktail is a bold, refreshing, and stylish appetizer that takes the classic shrimp cocktail to the next level. With its punchy, zesty sauce and elegant presentation, it’s perfect for everything from summer soirées to holiday spreads. Easy to prepare and endlessly customizable, this dish is sure to leave your guests impressed and coming back for more.

Mary Shrimp Cocktail

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Mary Shrimp Cocktail is a bold and zesty appetizer that combines chilled, tender shrimp with a spicy, Bloody Mary-inspired cocktail sauce. Perfect for parties or elegant dinners, it’s a flavorful twist on a classic favorite.

• Author: Laura
• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 3 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 to 6 servings
• Category: Appetizer
• Method: Boiling, Chilling
• Cuisine: American
• Diet: Gluten Free

Ingredients

• 1 lb large shrimp, peeled and deveined (tails on)
• 2 lemon wedges (plus more for serving)
• Salt (for boiling water)
• Ice water (for shocking shrimp)
• ½ cup tomato ketchup
• 2 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tsp hot sauce (such as Tabasco, adjust to taste)
• 1 tbsp lemon juice
• ⅛ tsp celery salt
• ⅛ tsp black pepper
• Optional garnish: celery sticks, parsley, or cucumber slices

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Instructions

1. Bring a large pot of salted water and lemon wedges to a boil.
2. Add shrimp and cook for 2–3 minutes, or until pink and opaque.
3. Transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking. Chill until serving.
4. In a bowl, whisk together ketchup, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, lemon juice, celery salt, and black pepper. Adjust seasoning to taste.
5. Drain and pat dry the chilled shrimp.
6. Spoon cocktail sauce into serving glasses or small bowls. Arrange shrimp around the rim or on top of the sauce.
7. Garnish with lemon wedges, celery sticks, parsley, or cucumber slices. Serve chilled.

Notes

• Use pre-cooked shrimp to save time—just chill and serve.
• Adjust spice by increasing or reducing hot sauce and horseradish.
• Sauce can be made up to 2 days ahead for better flavor.
• Serve in martini glasses or cucumber cups for an elegant or bite-sized presentation.
• Ensure Worcestershire sauce is gluten-free if needed.

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 1/6 of recipe
• Calories: 110
• Sugar: 4g
• Sodium: 430mg
• Fat: 2g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Unsaturated Fat: 1g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 6g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 15g
• Cholesterol: 130mg