Aperol-Infused Citrus Shrimp Cocktail
Juicy shrimp bathed in a vibrant Aperol-laced citrus dressing with fresh herbs, perfect as a light starter or picnic centerpiece. This mediterranean-inspired seafood ready in about 30 minutes brings together peeled and deveined large shrimp, Aperol, fresh lemon juice for a refreshing, crowd-pleasing drink — a bright, easy pour for parties, gatherings, or any warm-weather afternoon when you want something festive without alcohol-only options. Each serving lands at about 285 calories and feeds 2, so it works for entertaining, brunch, or a non-alcoholic option at the bar cart. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.
Ingredients
- 12 oz, peeled and deveined large shrimp
- 2 oz Aperol
- 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp, finely chopped fresh mint leaves
- 1/4 cup, finely diced red onion
- 1/2 cup, halved cherry tomatoes
- 1/4 tsp salt
- 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper
Instructions
- Step 1: In a medium bowl, whisk together 2 oz Aperol, 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice, 1 tbsp extra-virgin olive oil, 1/4 tsp salt, and 1/8 tsp freshly ground black pepper until emulsified.
- Step 2: Add 12 oz peeled and deveined shrimp to the bowl, ensuring each piece is coated, then toss gently to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes to marinate.
- Step 3: Stir in 2 tbsp finely chopped fresh mint leaves, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 1/2 cup halved cherry tomatoes. Refrigerate another 10 minutes for flavors to meld, stirring once halfway through.
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Aperol-Infused Citrus Shrimp Cocktail take to make?
Total time is about 30 minutes (30 min prep + 0 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.
How do I store leftover Aperol-Infused Citrus Shrimp Cocktail?
Refrigerate any leftover aperol-infused citrus shrimp cocktail in a sealed pitcher or jar for up to 3–4 days. Do not reheat — drinks are served chilled. If the recipe uses sparkling water or fresh herbs, hold those back and add fresh just before pouring so the drink stays bright and fizzy.
Can I substitute ingredients in Aperol-Infused Citrus Shrimp Cocktail?
Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.
How do I scale Aperol-Infused Citrus Shrimp Cocktail for a different number of people?
The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.
What goes well with Aperol-Infused Citrus Shrimp Cocktail?
Mediterranean seafood like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.
What others are saying
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Substituted chicken for tofu and it worked beautifully.
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Absolutely wonderful.
- ★★★★☆
Reliable weeknight option. Not going to blow your mind but always satisfying.
