1. Prep the Shrimp
Start by filling a large pot with water and bringing it to a boil over high heat. Add a generous pinch of salt and the lemon quarters to the water—this adds an extra layer of flavor to the shrimp while they cook. Once the water is boiling, add the shrimp and cook for about 2-3 minutes, or until they turn pink and are opaque all the way through. Be careful not to overcook them; you want the shrimp to be tender and juicy, not rubbery.

2. Ice Bath to Stop the Cooking
As soon as the shrimp are cooked, immediately transfer them to a bowl of ice water to stop the cooking process. Let them chill for 2-3 minutes, then remove and drain the shrimp. Pat them dry with paper towels. This step is crucial because it ensures your shrimp stay perfectly tender and cool, ready to be served.

3. Make the Cocktail Sauce
While your shrimp are chilling, it’s time to make the cocktail sauce. In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ketchup, horseradish, lemon juice, Worcestershire sauce, and hot sauce (if using). Mix everything together until smooth. Taste the sauce, and adjust the ingredients if needed—add more horseradish if you like a spicier sauce or more ketchup for a sweeter version.

4. Prepare the Martini Glasses
Grab 4 martini glasses and fill the bottom of each glass with a spoonful of cocktail sauce. This forms the base of your presentation and ensures every bite is flavorful.

5. Assemble the Shrimp Cocktail
Now it’s time to arrange the shrimp. Hold the shrimp by the tail and gently arrange them around the edge of each martini glass, curving them slightly so they look like they’re dancing around the rim. It’s okay if the shrimp are a bit uneven or messy—what matters most is that they’re placed in a way that showcases the beautiful shrimp.

6. Garnish and Serve
Once all the shrimp are arranged, garnish with fresh parsley and a lemon wedge on the side of each glass for a burst of color. You can even add a small dollop of cocktail sauce in the center for dipping.