Shrimp Shooters

First off I want to say that this is a non-alcoholic appetizer!  However, feel free to add some vodka for a take on a bloody mary.  Keith and I had these out one night at Reef (a restaurant in Houston) and I wanted to recreate my own version of it using a little less vinegar.  This is a perfect appetizer for any dinner party because it can be made ahead, assembled prior to your guests arriving and has fantastic presentation!  Serves 6 as shown, generally 1 – 2 is enough per person, but Keith and I shot down 3 each since we weren’t having a dinner party!  You may want to make more for a dinner party because they can be addictive!

INGREDIENTS

Juice
1/2 cup of Calmata juice
1/4 cup of apple cider vinegar
1 -2 dashes of tobacco sauce more or less depending on your preference
Pinch of granulated sugar
Dash of kosher salt
Shrimp
6 pieces of shrimp peeled and deveined leaving tail intact as a handle
Garnish
1/4 of a cucumber peeled and very finely minced (you will need about 1/2 teaspoon per glass more or less depending on your preference)
1 small celery stick, cleaned and very finely minced (you will need about 1/2 teaspoon per glass more or less depending on your preference)
2 fresh chive stems, cleaned and very finely minced (you will need only 1/8 of teaspoon per glass more or less depending on your preference)

TECHNIQUE

Make juice by combining all ingredients in a medium measuring cup or a cup that has a pouring spout and refrigerate so it is chilled when served. In a medium pot add water, bring to a boil and add shrimp.  Cook for about 3-5 minutes or until pink and tail has curled.  Cooking times will vary depending on the size of your shrimp.  Add shrimp to a bowl, cover and refrigerate until chilled.  Prepare the garnish items, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve.  Once ready to serve assembly by adding about 3 tablespoons of juice to a shot glass, add about 1/2 teaspoon of the cucumbers and celery, about 1/8 of a teaspoon of the chives and top with shrimp as shown.  Serve immediately.  If wanting to add vodka pour it in to taste when adding juice to shot glasses.  When “shooting” these dip the shrimp into the juice, have a bite of shrimp, a swig of juice and repeat the process!