Bloody Mary Pickled Shrimp Shooters Recipe

Ingredients:

For the Pickled Shrimp:

• 1/2 lb medium shrimp, peeled, deveined, and chopped into bite-sized pieces
• 1 cup white wine vinegar
• 1 cup water
• 1 tbsp Creole Baé seasoning
• 1 tbsp sugar
• 1 tsp mustard seeds
• 1 bay leaf
• 1/2 small red onion, finely diced
• 1/2 red bell pepper, finely diced
• 1 lemon, juice and zest

For the Bloody Mary Mix:

• 2 cups high-quality tomato juice
• 2 tbsp fresh lemon juice
• 1 tbsp prepared horseradish
• 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
• 1 tbsp Creole Baé seasoning
• 1/4 tsp celery salt
• Freshly ground black pepper to taste
• 2 oz vodka (optional)

For Assembly and Garnish:

• 24 shot glasses or small appetizer cups
• Additional Creole Baé seasoning for rimming glasses
• Fresh cilantro or micro greens for garnish

Instructions:

Pickled Shrimp:

1. Bring a pot of salted water to a boil. Add shrimp and cook until just pink, about 1 minute. Drain and rinse with cold water.
2. In a saucepan, combine vinegar, water, Creole Baé seasoning, sugar, mustard seeds, and bay leaf. Bring to a boil, then remove from heat.
3. In a glass bowl, combine the cooked shrimp, diced red onion, and diced red bell pepper.
4. Pour the hot pickling liquid over the shrimp mixture. Add lemon juice and zest. Let cool to room temperature, then refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.

Bloody Mary Mix:

1. In a pitcher, combine tomato juice, lemon juice, horseradish, Worcestershire sauce, Creole Baé seasoning, celery salt, and black pepper. Stir well.
2. If using vodka, stir it in just before assembling the shooters.

Assembly:

1. Rim each shot glass with lemon juice and dip in Creole Baé seasoning.
2. Drain the pickled shrimp mixture, reserving a few tablespoons of the pickling liquid.
3. In each glass, add about 1 tablespoon of the pickled shrimp mixture.
4. Pour the Bloody Mary mix over the shrimp, filling each glass about 3/4 full.
5. Add a few drops of the reserved pickling liquid to each shooter for an extra flavor boost.
6. Garnish with a small sprig of fresh cilantro or micro greens.

Serving Suggestions:

• Serve the shooters chilled on a decorative tray.
• For an interactive experience, provide small cocktail forks or decorative picks for guests to easily enjoy the shrimp.

Occasion:

These Bloody Mary Pickled Shrimp Shooters are perfect for upscale cocktail parties, holiday gatherings, or as a luxurious passed hors d'oeuvre at events. They also make a great starter for a gourmet brunch.

Pairing Suggestions:

• Mini crab cakes
• Oysters Rockefeller
• Creole-spiced deviled eggs
• Smoked salmon blini

Notes:

• For a non-alcoholic version, simply omit the vodka from the Bloody Mary mix.
• The pickled shrimp can be made up to 3 days in advance and kept refrigerated.
• Adjust the amount of Creole Baé seasoning to taste, depending on desired spice level.
• For a more substantial appetizer, use larger shrimp and serve in small mason jars or cocktail glasses.