Shrimp Cocktail Sauce Recipe: A Timeless Classic

In collaboration with 1 ou 2 Cocktails

Few appetisers evoke a sense of nostalgia quite like a classic shrimp cocktail. Once a staple of 80s dinner parties and upscale gatherings, this retro dish has remained a beloved favourite for its simplicity, elegance, and universal appeal. At its heart is the cocktail sauce—a perfect blend of tangy, sweet, and spicy notes that elevate the chilled shrimp into a memorable starter. This recipe takes the traditional approach and reimagines it with a vibrant twist, combining fresh ingredients for a flavour profile that feels timeless yet refreshingly modern.

The beauty of a shrimp cocktail lies in its versatility. Whether you’re hosting a formal dinner or indulging in a light snack, it’s a dish that feels equally at home in both settings. This updated version retains the essence of the original but introduces depth through ingredients like clam juice, dark maple syrup, and Sambal sauce. Each element brings its own character to the sauce—clam juice adds a subtle brininess, maple syrup provides a gentle sweetness, and the Sambal sauce offers a lively kick that can be adjusted to suit your spice preference.

Preparing the shrimp is just as crucial as perfecting the sauce. Large, firm shrimp are ideal for holding their texture and pairing harmoniously with the robust flavours of the sauce. Opting for pre-cooked shrimp is a convenient choice, but boiling fresh shrimp gives you full control over texture and taste, ensuring a fresher and more satisfying result. The addition of lemon zest, both in the sauce and as a garnish, adds a bright, citrusy aroma that ties the dish together beautifully.

Shrimp Cocktail and Martini Pairing: A Retro Classic with a Modern Twist

This recipe is not just about creating a dish; it’s about embracing a culinary classic and infusing it with thoughtful updates that make it stand out. Serve it as a centrepiece for your next gathering or as a personal treat to enjoy alongside a perfectly mixed martini by 1 ou 2 Cocktails. With a focus on simple preparation and bold flavours, this shrimp cocktail pays homage to its retro roots while inviting you to enjoy it in a whole new way.

Shrimp Cocktail Sauce with Shrimp Preparation Tips

Ingredients for Sauce:

• 1 cup tomato purée

• ½ cup (8 tablespoons) white vinegar

• ½ cup (8 tablespoons) clam juice

• 3 tablespoons dark maple syrup, plus 1 tablespoon added before serving (adjust to taste—use 2 tablespoons and 1 more before serving if you prefer a tangier, more vinegary flavour)

• 2 ½ tablespoons prepared horseradish

• 1 tablespoon of Sambal sauce for spicy lover, or 1 teaspoon for the milder version (we prefer using specifically this one as it has a unique taste that blends perfectly with this cocktail shrimp recipe- however, tabasco or simple hot sauce could also work if you dont have the one we used)

• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

• 2 tablespoons lemon juice

• ¾ teaspoon lemon zest (plus extra for garnish)

• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions for Sauce:

1. In a medium bowl, combine the tomato purée, white vinegar, clam juice, and maple syrup.

2. Add salt and pepper to taste, then stir in the horseradish, hot sauce, and Worcestershire sauce.

3. Add the lemon juice and lemon zest, stirring until everything is well combined.

4. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavours to meld.

Shrimp Tips: For the shrimp, plan on 1 to 1.5 pounds (450 to 680 grams) of large shrimp—around 20 to 30 pieces—so there’s plenty to pair with this amount of sauce. You can use large, pre-cooked shrimp for convenience, or for a fresher option, buy raw shrimp and boil them until they turn pink and opaque (about 2-3 minutes). If boiling raw shrimp, allow them to cool completely before serving. For extra chill and a nice presentation, serve the shrimp on a bed of ice with an extra sprinkle of lemon zest for a fresh citrusy aroma.

Serve with the chilled sauce and enjoy!