Tangy Mexican Shrimp Cocktail with Spiced Tomato Sauce

By AislePrompt Editorial · Published 2026-05-25 · Updated 2026-05-25

A refreshing Mexican appetizer featuring lightly poached shrimp served in a zesty, spiced tomato and lime sauce. This Mexican-inspired seafood recipe, ready in about 20 minutes, brings together large shrimp, tomato juice, fresh lime 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 180 calories and feeds 4, 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

• 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp
• 2 cups tomato juice
• 1/4 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup ketchup
• 1 tbsp hot sauce
• 1/4 cup finely diced red onion
• 1/4 cup chopped cilantro
• 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño pepper
• 1 tsp salt
• 1/2 tsp black pepper
• 1 sliced, for garnish avocado
• 1/2 cup diced, for garnish cucumber

Chef’s knives that make the prep fast → Best Chef's Knives for 2026: Top Picks + Buying Guide

Instructions

1. Step 1: Bring a medium pot of salted water to a boil. Add 1 lb peeled and deveined large shrimp and poach for 2-3 minutes until pink and opaque. Drain and chill in ice water.
2. Step 2: In a large bowl, combine 2 cups tomato juice, 1/4 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup ketchup, 1 tbsp hot sauce, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1 seeded and finely chopped jalapeño pepper, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Stir well to blend flavors.
3. Step 3: Drain the shrimp from the ice water and pat dry. Add the shrimp to the tomato sauce mixture and toss gently to coat.
4. Step 4: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
5. Step 5: Serve the shrimp cocktail chilled in individual glasses or bowls, garnished with 1 sliced avocado and 1/2 cup diced cucumber for fresh texture.