Spicy Bloody Mary Shrimp Shots

Appetizers are always my favorite part of a meal. In fact, tonight’s dinner celebration will be all appetizers. Really, who doesn’t love finger food?  I also love Bloody Marys. They are my favorite brunch drink. I don’t mind drinking them at any time of the day or night, especially if I am eating seafood. So I put my fondness of appetizers, Bloody Mary’s and seafood all together in one shot glass. Aren’t they cute?

We can’t forget the tomatoes! As I have professed  my love for canned tomatoes before, now I am telling you they REALLY make me happy. The can of Red Gold tomatoes is what started this whole recipe. I decided to make my own Bloody Mary mix and it sure did pay off. Now I have a delicious concoction of tomatoes, broth, celery salt and fresh lemon just blending together in my refrigerator waiting for some shrimp to come along.  Since I like spicy, I used tomatoes with chilies. If you would like a milder drink, you can use regular tomatoes and add a little hot sauce to your liking.

I made these drinks in shot glasses which are great for a crowd but if you would rather have a cozy party for two, you can serve them in martini glasses. I garnished them with olives but lemon wedges, celery or any pickled veggies would work. The amount of vodka you add is up to you. They can even be made non alcoholic but that would be a shame. You can purchase already cooked shrimp but I prefer to make my own spiced shrimp cocktail.  Then I have plenty of leftover shrimp to nibble on.

Here’s toasting to the new year! I’ll have some champagne tonight but tomorrow I am ready for a Bloody Mary.  HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Spicy Bloody Mary Shrimp Shots

1 (10 oz) can Red Gold Diced Tomatoes & Green Chilies (use plain tomatoes if you don’t like spicy)

8 oz chicken broth (vegetable broth can be substituted)

1/2 tsp celery seed

a dash of Worcestershire sauce

1 TBS sugar

the zest and juice of half a lemon

seasoned salt, to taste

4 ounces of vodka (or adjust to the amount you like)

16 to 20 cocktail shrimp

green olives for garnish

In a blender, add the can of tomatoes and process until smooth. Put the tomatoes in a small sauce pan on medium heat. Add broth, celery seed, Worcestershire sauce, sugar and lemon. Bring mixture to a simmer and cook for about 5 minutes. Add seasoned salt to taste. Refrigerate mixture to cool. Flavors will blend best in a few hours. Add the vodka to the mixture. Garnish with shrimp and olives or your favorite garnishes. Makes 8 to 10 shot glasses. Recipe can easily be doubled.

Tagged as: appetizers, beverages