This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is fresh, zesty and packed with bold flavors in every bite. Juicy shrimp, crisp veggies and a tangy tomato-lime sauce make it the ultimate chilled appetizer or light meal.

Jump to:

• ❤️ Why You'll Love This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe
• 🛒 Ingredients in Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
• 🔪 How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
• 💡 Tips for Making Shrimp Cocktail
• ☑️ Storage Instructions
• 🍴 What to Serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
• 🔄 Substitutions and Additions
• Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?
• How Spicy is this Recipe?
• What’s the Best Tomato Juice to Use?
• Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?
• How Do I Keep the Shrimp from Getting Rubbery?
• 🍽️ More Seafood Recipes

❤️ Why You'll Love This Mexican Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

• Tender juicy shrimp
• Crisp cucumbers, sweet tomatoes, and creamy avocado
• Tossed in a flavorful tomato based sauce
• Quick and easy to make
• Perfect last minute appetizer

If you love shrimp cocktail, get ready to take it to the next level with this vibrant Mexican twist. Juicy shrimp, creamy avocado, and crisp cucumbers are tossed in a tangy, slightly spicy tomato sauce that’s loaded with flavor. It’s fresh, light, and ridiculously satisfying.

The best part is everything comes together in one bowl, and the flavors get even better after chilling. Serve it with tortilla chips for scooping or enjoy it straight from the glass with a spoon. Either way, this shrimp cocktail is an absolute must-try!

If you love this recipe, you should also try this zesty Lime Cilantro Shrimp Salad and these Asian Shrimp Tacos.

🛒 Ingredients in Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Shrimp
• Cucumber
• Tomatoes
• Avocado
• Tomato juice
• Jalapeño pepper
• Red onion
• No-sugar added ketchup
• Lime juice
• Cilantro
• Hot sauce
• Worcestershire sauce
• Salt

*Exact measurements are listed in the recipe card below.

🥣 Recommended Tools

• Large pot
• Mixing bowls
• Whisk

🔪 How to Make Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

Heat a large pot of water to a boil, then add in your raw shrimp. Boil for about 2 minutes or until they turn pink and curl up.

Plunge the shrimp into an ice water bath, which stops them from cooking any further and cools them down quickly. Drain and set them aside.

In a small mixing bowl, add in the tomato juice, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, lime juice and hot sauce.  Whisk to combine.

In a separate bowl, add in the cucumber, tomatoes, jalapeño pepper, cilantro and red onion.

Pour the tomato juice mixture over the top and mix to combine.

Then add in the shrimp and gently toss again.

Cover and chill in the fridge for at least 1 hour.

Uncover and add in the diced avocado and salt.

Gently toss again and it's ready to serve.

You can serve it in individual glasses or in one bowl with tortilla chips on the side.

💡 Tips for Making Shrimp Cocktail

• Use fresh shrimp: If possible, buy raw shrimp and cook it yourself for the best flavor and texture.

• Chill before serving: Let the cocktail sit in the fridge for at least an hour so the flavors meld together.

• Dice evenly: Keeping the veggies and shrimp in similar sizes makes every bite balanced and delicious.

• Make it ahead: This tastes even better the next day, making it a great make-ahead dish.

☑️ Storage Instructions

Fridge: Store leftovers in an airtight container for up to 2 days.

Freezer: I do not recommend freezing it, because the texture of shrimp and fresh veggies will change.

🍴 What to Serve with Mexican Shrimp Cocktail

• Tortilla chips make the perfect crunchy scoop.
• The sweetness of this Mexican street corn pairs beautifully with the tangy shrimp.
• Keep the Mexican flavors going with classic dips and guacamole and salsa.
• A simple green salad with a citrus vinaigrette balances out the rich, tangy flavors.
• If you want to turn this into a full meal, cilantro lime slaw is a great addition.

🔄 Substitutions and Additions

Extra crunch: Add finely chopped celery or radishes for more texture.

More citrus: A little orange juice can add a subtle sweetness.

Milder version: Skip the jalapeño or use a milder chili like Anaheim.

Spicier option: Add a pinch of ground black pepper or a few dashes of your favorite hot sauce.

Seafood mix: Try adding a mix of cooked seafood like scallops or crab for variety.

Tropical twist: A little diced mango or pineapple adds a sweet contrast.

Keto-friendly: Skip the ketchup and use a little tomato sauce with extra lime juice for a lower-carb version.

Can I Use Pre-Cooked Shrimp?

You can but I think fresh have more flavor. If using pre-cooked shrimp, just make sure it’s fully thawed and chilled before mixing with the sauce.

How Spicy is this Recipe?

It has a mild kick from the jalapeño and hot sauce, but you can adjust the spice level to your preference.

What’s the Best Tomato Juice to Use?

A low-sodium option like V8 works great, but any quality tomato juice will do.

Can I Make This Recipe Ahead of Time?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes even better after sitting in the fridge for a few hours.

How Do I Keep the Shrimp from Getting Rubbery?

Don’t overcook them! Just boil until they turn pink and immediately transfer to an ice bath.

🍽️ More Seafood Recipes

• Air Fryer Pesto Salmon
• Sheet Pan Shrimp and Veggies
• Air Fryer Frozen Shrimp
• Smoked Salmon and Goat Cheese Crostini 
• Smoked Salmon Frittata