Bring Las Vegas to Your Table: The Iconic Vegas Shrimp Cocktail Recipe

A treat that will forever be associated with Las Vegas... the shrimp cocktail.

There is nothing quite like a Las Vegas original. While the city is now known for its world-class fine dining and celebrity chefs, the most iconic dish in town didn’t start at a white-tablecloth establishment.

It started at a casino counter for 50 cents. For decades, the shrimp cocktail has been the unofficial snack of the desert. Now, thanks to LAS Discounts, you can bring that classic vintage vibe into your own kitchen with this authentic Vegas-style recipe.

A Taste of History

The tradition began in 1959 at the Golden Gate Hotel & Casino. Managing partner Italo Ghelfi decided to offer a 50-cent shrimp cocktail as a marketing promotion to draw people through the doors. It worked better than anyone could have imagined. At its peak, the Golden Gate was selling over 2,000 shrimp cocktails a day.

• Fun Fact: By 1991, the Golden Gate had sold over 25 million shrimp cocktails! While prices have changed since the 50-cent era, you can still find a legendary budget-friendly version at the Fremont Hotel & Casino downtown, which keeps the spirit of the 99-cent tradition alive for thousands of visitors every week.

How to Make It at Home

The beauty of the Vegas shrimp cocktail is its simplicity: small salad shrimp, a chilled glass, and a sauce with a serious kick.

Ingredients

1 lb small cooked shrimp, peeled and deveined (tail-off)

1 cup ketchup

1 cup chili sauce

2 tablespoons prepared horseradish

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

2 drops hot pepper sauce (optional)

Lemon wedges for garnish

Instructions

• Chill the Glassware: For the full experience, place small tulip or martini glasses in the freezer for 20 minutes before serving.

• Make the Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the ketchup, chili sauce, horseradish, lemon juice, and Worcestershire sauce. If you like a little extra heat, add the hot pepper sauce. Whisk until smooth.

• The Assembly: Fill the bottom of your chilled glasses with a generous portion of the small shrimp.

• The Topping: Pour the sauce over the shrimp until they are well covered.

• Serve: Garnish with a lemon wedge on the rim and serve immediately.

Whether you are hosting a themed party or just missing the neon lights of Fremont Street, this recipe is the perfect way to enjoy a piece of Las Vegas history right at your dining table.

Stay tuned to LAS Discounts for more tips on how to enjoy the best of Las Vegas from anywhere!