Mexican Shrimp Cocktail, or Cóctel de Camarón, is a festive and refreshing seafood dish that bursts with flavor and color making it perfect for celebrating Mexican Independence Day. Tender poached shrimp are tossed in a zesty tomato-based sauce with fresh vegetables, creamy avocado, and a hint of citrus, delivering the perfect mix of sweet, tangy, and spicy in every bite. Served chilled in a tall glass or bowl with crisp tostadas or crunchy saltine crackers, it’s as beautiful as it is delicious.
What makes this cocktail so special is its vibrant mix of textures and flavors. The juicy shrimp, crunchy cucumber, tangy Clamato-ketchup sauce, and creamy avocado come together in a way that’s light yet satisfying. Easy to prepare ahead of time, it’s ideal for parties, family gatherings, or warm-weather celebrations ensuring your guests enjoy a taste of coastal Mexico with every spoonful.
Full Recipe
Ingredients:
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5 cups water
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1 pound large shrimp, peeled, deveined, shell off
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2 teaspoons kosher salt, plus more to taste
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1 ¼ cup Clamato juice or tomato juice
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1 cup ketchup
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¼ cup orange soda or orange juice
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4 tablespoons lime juice (about 2 limes)
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2 Roma tomatoes, finely diced
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1 English cucumber, finely diced
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1 jalapeño, finely diced
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½ white onion, finely diced
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1 cup finely chopped cilantro
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1 avocado, diced
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Saltines or tostadas, for serving
Directions:
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Add water and salt to a medium pot and bring to a boil. Prepare a large bowl of ice water and set aside.
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When boiling, add shrimp and poach for 2–3 minutes until bright pink. Strain and transfer immediately to the ice water to stop cooking.
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In a large bowl, mix Clamato, ketchup, orange soda, and lime juice until combined. Stir in tomatoes, cucumber, jalapeño, onion, and cilantro. Taste and adjust salt if needed.
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Transfer cooled shrimp to the sauce mixture and stir to combine. Cover and refrigerate for 2 hours to chill and blend flavors.
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Stir in diced avocado just before serving. Serve with tostadas or saltine crackers.
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 minutes
Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes (includes chilling)
Kcal: 273 kcal per serving
Servings: 6
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail – A Fresh & Festive Dish for Mexican Independence Day
When Mexican Independence Day rolls around, the air fills with music, vibrant decorations, and the irresistible aroma of authentic dishes being prepared. Among the tacos, pozole, and enchiladas, one recipe stands out as a refreshing, crowd-pleasing favorite Cóctel de Camarón, or Mexican Shrimp Cocktail.
This dish captures the essence of coastal Mexico in every bite. It’s light yet satisfying, simple to make, and bursting with fresh flavors. Served chilled in a glass or bowl, it offers a perfect contrast to richer celebratory dishes, giving your guests something zesty and invigorating to enjoy. If you’re looking for a make-ahead recipe that’s easy, elegant, and undeniably Mexican, this one deserves a spot on your holiday table.
A Taste of the Coast in the Heart of the Celebration
Cóctel de Camarón has roots in the coastal regions of Mexico, where freshly caught seafood is abundant and often the centerpiece of meals. Unlike the American-style shrimp cocktail where cold shrimp are served with a thick, spicy tomato dipping sauce the Mexican version transforms shrimp into the star of a flavorful soup-like cocktail.
The shrimp are first poached until just tender, then combined with a lively mixture of Clamato or tomato juice, ketchup for sweetness, lime juice for brightness, and a surprising twist orange soda or juice. This base is then studded with finely chopped cucumber, tomato, onion, jalapeño, cilantro, and creamy avocado. The result is a dish that’s part appetizer, part light meal, and 100% festive.
Why It’s Perfect for Mexican Independence Day
Mexican Independence Day is as much about food as it is about history and tradition. The day is filled with dishes that tell the story of Mexico’s diverse regions, and Cóctel de Camarón fits beautifully into the celebration for several reasons:
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Vibrant and Colorful – The bright reds of tomato, greens of cilantro and avocado, and pink of fresh shrimp mirror the energy of the festivities.
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Refreshing – With so many heavier, cooked dishes on the table, this chilled seafood cocktail offers a refreshing balance.
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Easy to Prepare Ahead – Mexican Independence Day gatherings are often large, and preparing food in advance is a lifesaver. This dish can be made hours ahead, allowing you to enjoy the celebration instead of spending it in the kitchen.
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Crowd-Pleasing Flavor – It blends savory, sweet, tangy, and spicy notes in a way that appeals to a wide range of palates.
The Flavor Profile
The magic of Cóctel de Camarón lies in its harmony of flavors. Each bite hits multiple notes:
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Sweetness from ketchup and orange soda or juice.
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Tanginess from fresh lime juice.
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Freshness from crisp vegetables like cucumber and tomato.
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Heat from jalapeño or serrano pepper, adjustable to taste.
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Creaminess from ripe avocado.
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Umami depth from Clamato or tomato juice.
When served well-chilled, all these elements combine into a refreshing yet bold flavor experience that keeps guests coming back for more.
Serving Traditions and Presentation
In Mexico, Cóctel de Camarón is often served in a large goblet or frosty beer mug, garnished with a slice of lime, extra avocado, and a sprinkle of fresh cilantro. The dish is typically accompanied by tostadas or saltine crackers for scooping, adding a crunchy element that contrasts with the tender shrimp and smooth sauce.
For a Mexican Independence Day party, you can make a large batch and serve it family-style in a punch bowl with smaller glasses for guests to help themselves. Alternatively, portion it into individual cups for a more elegant, grab-and-go appetizer option.
Tips for Making the Best Mexican Shrimp Cocktail
Even though Cóctel de Camarón is straightforward, a few tips can take it from good to spectacular:
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Don’t overcook the shrimp – They only need a couple of minutes in boiling water before they turn pink. Overcooking makes them rubbery.
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Chill before serving – Allowing the mixture to rest in the fridge for at least two hours helps the flavors meld together beautifully.
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Balance the heat – If you’re serving a mixed crowd, keep the spice mild and offer hot sauce on the side so guests can adjust to their preference.
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Use fresh ingredients – The vegetables should be crisp, the lime juice freshly squeezed, and the avocado ripe but firm.
Easy Variations to Try
The beauty of Cóctel de Camarón is that it’s adaptable:
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Make it spicier – Add a serrano pepper instead of jalapeño or stir in a splash of hot sauce like Valentina or Cholula.
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Add sweetness – Diced mango or pineapple bring a tropical flair that works surprisingly well with the savory base.
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Add crunch – Jicama adds a crisp bite and a touch of sweetness.
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Go seafood mixed – Include scallops, octopus, or even a bit of crab meat for a more elaborate seafood cocktail.
Pairing Suggestions
This dish pairs beautifully with cold beverages like Mexican beer, micheladas, or agua fresca. Because of its acidity and freshness, it also complements grilled meats or richer antojitos like quesadillas and empanadas. For Mexican Independence Day, you can serve it as a starter before a heartier main course such as birria or mole.
Make-Ahead Convenience
One of the most practical aspects of this recipe is its make-ahead capability. You can prepare it up to three days in advance, keeping the avocado separate until just before serving to prevent browning. This means less stress on the day of your celebration and more time to enjoy the company of family and friends.
Conclusion:
Mexican Shrimp Cocktail is more than just a delicious dish it’s a celebration in a glass. With its bright colors, lively flavors, and refreshing nature, it’s an ideal addition to any Mexican Independence Day menu.
It’s quick to prepare, adaptable to personal tastes, and guaranteed to bring a coastal touch to your holiday spread. Whether served in an elegant glass for a formal gathering or in a casual bowl for a backyard fiesta, Cóctel de Camarón embodies the joy, flavor, and hospitality of Mexican cuisine.
In a holiday filled with tradition and pride, this dish is a perfect reminder that Mexican food is as diverse and colorful as the country itself. One chilled bite, and you’ll understand why it’s a favorite from the beaches of Veracruz to the heart of Mexico City and why it should have a place in your celebration year after year.