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Champagne Shrimp Cocktail Recipe with Spicy Sauce Easy and Irresistible

champagne shrimp cocktail - featured image

A modern twist on classic shrimp cocktail featuring shrimp poached in champagne and served with a bold, spicy sauce. Perfect for entertaining and quick to prepare.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 pound (450 g) large shrimp, peeled and deveined
  • 1 cup (240 ml) champagne or dry sparkling wine
  • 2 cups (480 ml) water
  • 1 lemon, sliced
  • 1 bay leaf
  • 1 tablespoon salt
  • For the spicy sauce:
  • 1/2 cup (120 ml) ketchup
  • 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish
  • 1 tablespoon hot sauce
  • 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
  • 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
  • Salt and black pepper to taste
  • Fresh herbs (parsley or chives) for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the poaching liquid: In a large pot, combine 1 cup champagne, 2 cups water, lemon slices, bay leaf, and 1 tablespoon salt. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat, avoiding boiling to preserve champagne bubbles (about 5 minutes).
  2. Poach the shrimp: Add peeled and deveined shrimp to the simmering liquid. Cook until shrimp turn pink and opaque, about 2 to 3 minutes. Avoid overcooking.
  3. Remove and chill: Using a slotted spoon, transfer shrimp to a bowl of ice water to stop cooking and keep them crisp. Chill for 5 minutes, then drain and pat dry.
  4. Make the spicy sauce: In a mixing bowl, combine ketchup, horseradish, hot sauce, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and smoked paprika. Stir until smooth. Adjust seasoning with salt, pepper, or more hot sauce as desired.
  5. Assemble the shrimp cocktail: Arrange chilled shrimp around a serving bowl or cocktail glasses filled with spicy sauce. Garnish with fresh parsley or chives and a lemon wedge.
  6. Serve immediately: Best enjoyed fresh and cold. If preparing ahead, refrigerate shrimp and sauce separately and combine just before serving.

Notes

Keep the poaching liquid at a gentle simmer to preserve champagne bubbles and prevent shrimp from toughening. Chill shrimp quickly in ice water to maintain a crisp texture. Taste and adjust the spicy sauce seasoning before serving. Sauce can be made ahead and refrigerated for better flavor melding.

Nutrition

Keywords: shrimp cocktail, champagne shrimp, spicy sauce, appetizer, party food, seafood, easy recipe