Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail Price, Calories, and Copycat Recipe (2026)

Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail is a chilled starter made from premium jumbo shrimp served with classic cocktail sauce. It costs approximately $14.99 and contains around 180 calories, based on Red Lobster’s official menu data. Some locations list the dish as Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, priced between $13.49 and $19.19. The dish contains shellfish and is naturally gluten free, though cross contact with wheat, soy, and dairy is possible. A copycat version can be made at home in about an hour using a simple poach, chill, and cocktail sauce method.

What Is Shrimp Cocktail?

Shrimp cocktail is a chilled seafood starter made from poached shrimp served with a tangy, tomato based dipping sauce. It became a staple of American dining by the middle of the last century and remains one of the most requested party starters today. Two things separate a great shrimp cocktail from an average one: shrimp that stay tender rather than rubbery, and a sauce with enough bite to balance the sweetness of the seafood.

Quick Summary

Entity	Attribute	Value
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Menu Section	Starters
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Price	$14.99 (estimate, varies by location)
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Calories	180
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Main Ingredient	Premium jumbo shrimp
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Sauce	Classic cocktail sauce
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Serving Style	Chilled, dine in or Red Lobster To Go
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Also Known As	Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail (some locations)
Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail	Key Allergens	Shellfish, may contact soy, wheat, dairy
Copycat Shrimp Cocktail	Total Time	About 1 hour, mostly chill time
Copycat Shrimp Cocktail	Yield	4 to 6 servings

Prices and calories are estimates based on Red Lobster’s official menu and may change by location. Always confirm current pricing with your local restaurant.

Introduction

Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail keeps its spot on the starters menu for good reason. Premium jumbo shrimp arrive chilled and ready to dip into a tangy cocktail sauce, giving diners a light option that skips the fryer entirely. This guide walks through the current price, calorie count, and allergen facts for the restaurant version. It also includes a copycat recipe so you can make the same classic starter, plus a Mexican style twist, right at home. For more menu breakdowns like this one, visit our Red Lobster price guide homepage.

Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail Menu Details

According to Red Lobster’s official menu, the Shrimp Cocktail features premium jumbo shrimp served with classic cocktail sauce. Some locations still market this dish under its earlier name, Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail, which paired the shrimp with both cocktail sauce and a Thai chili lime cilantro Samu Sauce. Either way, the core dish stays the same: chilled shrimp, a zesty tomato based sauce, and nothing standing between you and a quick, refreshing starter.

The shrimp come peeled, deveined, and cooked until just pink before they chill. That cooking method keeps this appetizer naturally light compared to Red Lobster’s fried starters. Most orders include four to six large shrimp, though Red Lobster does not publish an exact count. For other cold and fried starters, browse our full Red Lobster appetizers menu, or check the shrimp meals menu for more shrimp focused dishes.

Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail Price In 2026

The Shrimp Cocktail costs about $14.99 on Red Lobster’s current menu. Locations that still use the Black Tiger Shrimp Cocktail name have listed prices between $13.49 and $19.19, so your exact total depends heavily on where you order. A larger platter version, built for sharing or catering, typically costs more and serves a bigger group. Check our catering menu for exact platter pricing if you’re feeding a crowd.

Since this dish falls under Starters, it may also qualify for the $2 off select starters deal during Happy Hour, typically Monday through Friday from 3 to 6 PM at participating locations. For other current promotions, see our deals and specials page. Members of the loyalty program can also earn points toward future visits through Red Lobster’s rewards program.

Price disclaimer: All prices listed are estimates gathered from Red Lobster’s menu and third party sources. Confirm exact pricing with your nearest Red Lobster before ordering.

Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail Calories And Nutrition

A single order of Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail runs about 180 calories, making it one of the lightest starters on the menu. It carries roughly 4 grams of fat, 10 grams of carbohydrates, and 23 grams of protein per serving. Most of the sodium and sugar come from the cocktail sauce rather than the shrimp itself, so the shrimp remains a genuinely lean protein choice.

For nutrition details across the full starters lineup, see our Red Lobster nutrition guide.

Nutrition figures are estimates. Actual values can vary based on preparation and portion size at your local restaurant.

Allergen Information For The Shrimp Cocktail

Shrimp Cocktail contains shellfish, so it is not suitable for anyone with a shellfish allergy. The dish itself is naturally gluten free, though cross contact with wheat, soy, and dairy remains possible during kitchen preparation. Guests with a serious allergy should confirm details with their server before ordering.

Check our ingredients and allergens page for allergen notes across the entire menu, or browse our gluten free menu for more naturally gluten free picks.

Copycat Red Lobster Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

Want to recreate this starter without leaving home? This copycat version uses the same poach and chill method Red Lobster relies on, plus a classic cocktail sauce you can make in minutes.

Prep Time: 15 minutes

Cook Time: 20 minutes

Chill Time: 15 to 30 minutes

Total Time: About 1 hour, mostly hands off

Yield: 4 to 6 servings, about 1.5 pounds of shrimp

Ingredients

For the poaching liquid:

• 3 quarts cold water
• 1/4 medium onion, sliced
• 1/2 lemon
• 2 cloves garlic, peeled and smashed
• 1 tablespoon seafood seasoning
• 1 teaspoon whole black peppercorns
• 1 bay leaf
• 2 sprigs fresh tarragon (optional)

For the shrimp:

• 1 to 1.5 pounds large raw shrimp, peeled and deveined, tails left on

For the cocktail sauce:

• 1/2 cup ketchup
• 2 tablespoons chili sauce
• 1 to 2 tablespoons prepared horseradish, to taste
• 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• A few dashes of hot sauce
• Pinch of salt

Instructions

1. Build the poaching liquid. Combine the water, onion, lemon half, garlic, seafood seasoning, peppercorns, bay leaf, and tarragon in a large pot. Bring to a simmer and let the aromatics infuse for about 15 minutes.

2. Make the sauce. Whisk together the ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, hot sauce, and salt in a bowl. Cover and refrigerate for at least 15 minutes so the flavors meld.

3. Set up an ice bath. Fill a large bowl with ice and cold water and place it next to the stove. You will need it the moment the shrimp finish cooking.

4. Poach the shrimp. Bring the seasoned broth to a rolling boil, add the shrimp, and cook for 2 to 3 minutes, just until they turn pink and opaque. Watch closely, since shrimp turn rubbery fast.

5. Shock and chill. Move the shrimp to the ice bath right away with a slotted spoon and let them sit for about 5 minutes. This stops the cooking and keeps the texture snappy. Drain thoroughly.

6. Serve. Arrange the chilled shrimp around a bowl of cocktail sauce, or toss everything together in a serving dish. Finish with lemon wedges.

Pro Tips

• Look for shrimp labeled 21/25 or 16/20 count per pound, since larger shrimp hold up better against a bold sauce.
• Never skip the ice bath. It’s the biggest factor separating tender shrimp from rubbery ones.
• Leave the tails on for easier dipping and a nicer presentation.
• Taste the sauce before serving, since horseradish strength varies a lot between brands.
• Using pre cooked shrimp? Skip the poaching step entirely. Just rinse, chill, and serve for a faster weeknight version.

Classic Vs Mexican Style Shrimp Cocktail

Feature	Classic American Version	Mexican Style (Cóctel de Camarón)
Sauce Base	Ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, Worcestershire	Ketchup, lime juice, tomato juice or Clamato
Flavor Profile	Sharp, peppery, horseradish forward	Bright, tangy, citrus forward
Texture	Whole shrimp on the rim of a glass	Chopped shrimp with diced vegetables and avocado
Typical Extras	Lemon wedges	Cilantro, white onion, cucumber, jalapeño, avocado
Served With	Fork	Tortilla chips or tostadas

To make the Mexican style version, toss chopped cooked shrimp with tomato juice or Clamato, fresh lime juice, diced cucumber, avocado, white onion, cilantro, and a minced jalapeño. It eats lighter and brighter than the classic version and works well scooped up with tortilla chips.

Storage And Make Ahead Tips

Cooked shrimp keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 days in an airtight container. Cocktail sauce holds up even longer, since it can be made up to a week ahead and often tastes better after a day or two. If you plan to add avocado for the Mexican style version, wait until just before serving, since avocado browns quickly once cut. Skip freezing the assembled dish, since the shrimp’s texture suffers badly on thawing.

Frequently Asked Questions

How much does Red Lobster’s Shrimp Cocktail cost?

It costs about $14.99 on the current menu, though locations using the Black Tiger name have listed it between $13.49 and $19.19.

How many calories are in Red Lobster’s Shrimp Cocktail?

A single order contains approximately 180 calories, based on Red Lobster’s published nutrition data.

Is Red Lobster’s Shrimp Cocktail gluten free?

Yes, the dish is naturally gluten free, though cross contact with wheat is possible during kitchen preparation.

Can I use frozen shrimp for the copycat recipe?

Yes. Thaw completely in the refrigerator or under cold running water, then pat dry before poaching so the shrimp cooks evenly.

Should shrimp cocktail be served hot or cold?

Cold. Chilling the shrimp keeps the texture crisp and is important for food safety as well.

What size shrimp works best for shrimp cocktail?

Large shrimp in the 16/20 or 21/25 count per pound range hold up best against a bold cocktail sauce.

Is Red Lobster’s Shrimp Cocktail Worth Ordering in 2026?

Red Lobster’s Shrimp Cocktail remains one of the lightest, most reliable starters on the menu, delivering chilled jumbo shrimp and a tangy sauce without any added fryer calories. At roughly $14.99 for 180 calories, it works well for diners watching their intake or simply craving something fresh before a bigger meal, including a stop on our lunch menu. Making the copycat version at home costs less and lets you control the exact heat level of the sauce. If you’re rounding out a full order, our pasta and bowls menu offers heartier mains to pair alongside this light starter.

Whether you order it at the restaurant or poach a batch in your own kitchen, this dish proves simple ingredients can still deliver a genuinely satisfying result. Give the copycat recipe a try next time you want restaurant quality shrimp cocktail without leaving the house, and browse our full Red Lobster menu guide for everything else worth ordering.