Appetizers & Starters > Seafood Starters > Cold Seafood Dishes > Shrimp Cocktail

Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp Cocktail

Add a zesty kick to your appetizer spread with this Spicy Tequila Lime Shrimp Cocktail! Fresh shrimp are marinated in a flavorful tequila lime mixture and served with a vibrant cocktail sauce. It's the perfect refreshing starter for any fiesta!

Prep Time
20 minutes
Cook Time
3 minutes
Servings
4
Ingredients
  • 1 pound Large Shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1/4 cup Tequila
  • 1/4 cup Lime Juice, freshly squeezed
  • 1 whole Jalapeño, seeded and minced
  • 2 cloves Garlic, minced
  • 2 tablespoons Cilantro, chopped
  • 1/2 cup Ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons Chili Sauce
  • 1 tablespoon Lime Juice
  • 1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire Sauce
  • to taste Hot Sauce
  • to taste Salt
  • to taste Black Pepper

Marinating the Shrimp

In a bowl, whisk together the tequila, lime juice, jalapeño, garlic, and cilantro. Season with salt and pepper. Add the shrimp to the marinade, toss to coat, and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes, or up to 30 minutes.

Cooking the Shrimp

Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add the marinated shrimp and cook until they turn pink and opaque, about 2-3 minutes. Do not overcook.

Chilling the Shrimp

Drain the shrimp immediately and transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Once cool, drain and pat dry.

Making the Spicy Cocktail Sauce

In a separate bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, lime juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce. Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of hot sauce to your desired level of spice.

Serving the Shrimp Cocktail

Arrange the chilled shrimp on a platter or in individual serving glasses. Serve with the spicy cocktail sauce. Garnish with lime wedges and cilantro sprigs for a vibrant presentation.

← Spicy Shrimp and Artichoke Dip Spicy Tuna Mousse with Sriracha and Lime →

FAQ

  • Can I make this ahead of time?

    Yes, you can marinate the shrimp and make the cocktail sauce a few hours ahead of time. Store them separately in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
  • Can I use a different type of alcohol instead of tequila?

    Yes, you can substitute vodka or even white rum for the tequila. However, the tequila adds a unique flavor that complements the lime and jalapeño.
  • How spicy is this recipe?

    The spiciness of this recipe can be adjusted by controlling the amount of jalapeño and hot sauce used. Start with a small amount and add more to your liking.