Highball Shrimp Cocktail

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

A chilled seafood starter with plump shrimp, cucumber, and dill-infused tomato sauce, capturing the highball's clean, effervescent character. This american-inspired seafood ready in about 22 minutes brings together Shrimp, Cucumber, Tomato 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 180 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.

★ 4.0 (13 ratings) Prep: 20 min Cook: 2 min Serves 2 American cuisine 180 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Boil 8 oz shrimp in salted water for 2 minutes until pink and opaque, then immediately transfer to an ice bath for 3 minutes to stop cooking.
  2. Step 2: Finely dice 1/4 cup cucumber and 1/2 cup tomato, then mix with 1 tbsp fresh dill, 1 tbsp lime juice, 1 tsp olive oil, and 1/4 tsp salt in a bowl.
  3. Step 3: Drain and pat dry the cooled shrimp, then arrange them in a chilled glass over the tomato-cucumber mixture.
  4. Step 4: Chill for 15 minutes before serving to let flavors meld, ensuring the lime and dill cut through the richness of the shrimp.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Highball Shrimp Cocktail take to make?

Total time is about 22 minutes (20 min prep + 2 min cook). Most home bartenders find this fits a single afternoon; scale up the batch for parties or pitchers.

How do I store leftover Highball Shrimp Cocktail?

Refrigerate any leftover highball 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 Highball 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 Highball 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 Highball Shrimp Cocktail?

American 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.

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