Jun 09 2026
Restaurants›Red White and Brew›Traditional Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Traditional Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Inspired by Red White and Brew
Time45m
Serves4

housemade cocktail sauce

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Ingredients

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Shrimp

Cocktail Sauce

Method

Preparing the Shrimp

  1. 1

    Boil the water

    In a large pot, bring 4 cups of water to a boil over high heat. Add the halved lemon, Old Bay seasoning, and salt to the boiling water.

  2. 2

    Cook the shrimp

    Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes or until they turn pink and opaque. Be careful not to overcook the shrimp.

  3. 3

    Ice bath

    Remove the shrimp from the pot and immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them cool for about 5 minutes.

  4. 4

    Drain and chill

    Drain the shrimp from the ice bath and refrigerate until ready to serve.

Making the Cocktail Sauce

  1. 5

    Mix the ingredients

    In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of ketchup, 2 tablespoons of prepared horseradish, 1 tablespoon of lemon juice, and 1 teaspoon of Worcestershire sauce.

  2. 6

    Adjust seasoning

    Stir the cocktail sauce well and taste. Add salt to taste as needed and adjust any other ingredients according to your preference.

  3. 7

    Chill the sauce

    Cover the cocktail sauce and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

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