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The Secret Behind Cooper's Hawk Drunken Shrimp: 7 Reasons This Appetizer Is A Cult Classic

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Few appetizers on a restaurant menu achieve "cult classic" status, but the Drunken Shrimp at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant has done just that. As of the current date in late 2025, this signature dish remains one of the most talked-about and frequently ordered items, cementing its legacy as a perfect blend of rich, savory, and zesty flavors. This deep dive reveals the exact components, the official wine pairing, and why this simple-sounding dish continues to generate intense customer loyalty and countless copycat recipes.

The dish, often listed on the menu as "Drunken Shrimp" or "Mexican Drunken Shrimp," is far more complex than its name suggests, offering a sophisticated culinary experience that perfectly complements the restaurant's extensive wine list. It’s a must-try for any first-time visitor and a non-negotiable order for regulars of Cooper's Hawk.

The Official Drunken Shrimp Profile: Ingredients, Price, and BIN Number

To fully appreciate the dish's popularity, it is essential to look at the official components that make up this iconic appetizer. The recipe is a masterful balance of rich textures and bright, acidic flavors, all centered around high-quality shrimp.

Key Components of the Signature Dish

The official menu description for the Drunken Shrimp (often designated as BIN 50) is deceptively simple, yet packed with flavor entities that create a memorable experience:

  • Bacon-Wrapped Shrimp: The foundation of the dish. Large, succulent shrimp are wrapped in crispy bacon, adding a crucial layer of savory, smoky flavor and a satisfying texture.
  • Tequila Lime Butter Sauce: This is the soul of the dish. The sauce combines the richness of butter with the sharp, acidic bite of lime juice and the distinct, earthy notes of tequila (often rumored to be Silver Patron Tequila), creating a complex, boozy, and zesty glaze.
  • Fresh Guacamole: Served on the side or underneath, the fresh guacamole adds a cool, creamy contrast to the warmth and spice of the shrimp and sauce, providing a necessary textural and temperature balance.

This appetizer is also noteworthy for being marked as Gluten-Free (GF), making it a popular choice for diners with dietary restrictions.

Current Pricing and Ordering Context (2025)

As a premium appetizer at Cooper's Hawk Winery & Restaurant, the Drunken Shrimp is priced to reflect its high-quality ingredients and preparation. While prices can vary by location, current menus place the appetizer price point between $19.99 and $22.99. For larger gatherings or private events, the dish is sometimes available by the dozen, priced around $35.99 to $38.99.

Unpacking the Flavor: Why the Tequila Lime Sauce is Legendary

The true genius of the Drunken Shrimp lies in the Tequila Lime Butter Sauce. This is the element that elevates the dish from a simple bacon-wrapped shrimp to a culinary icon. The sauce is a perfect example of flavor layering, utilizing the 'drunken' aspect to tenderize the shrimp and infuse it with a bright, boozy zest.

The process of creating this sauce typically involves sautéing aromatic entities like garlic and ginger, deglazing the pan with tequila, and then reducing it with butter and lime juice to create an emulsified, rich, yet tangy glaze. The alcohol from the tequila cooks off, leaving behind only the distinct flavor profile that cuts through the richness of the bacon and butter. This balance is what makes the appetizer so addictive.

The Essential Pairing: What to Drink with BIN 50

As a winery and restaurant, Cooper's Hawk places significant emphasis on wine pairing. The Drunken Shrimp, designated as BIN 50, is an excellent candidate for specific wine selections that enhance its complex flavor profile. The goal is to choose a wine that can stand up to the richness of the bacon and butter while complementing the acidity of the lime and the kick of the tequila.

Recommended Wine Pairings

While the official menu offers an optional wine flight upgrade, the general consensus and expert recommendations point to specific varietals:

  • Sauvignon Blanc: This is a classic choice for shrimp and lime-based sauces. A crisp, dry Sauvignon Blanc provides high acidity and bright citrus notes (grapefruit, passion fruit) that mirror the lime in the sauce, creating a refreshing counterpoint to the bacon's fat.
  • Pinot Gris/Grigio: A slightly less acidic, but still dry white wine, Pinot Gris offers a clean, crisp finish that won't overpower the delicate shrimp flavor, while still cleansing the palate of the rich butter sauce.
  • Sweet White Wine: For those who prefer a sweeter contrast, a slightly sweet white wine or a Riesling can be an excellent choice. The sweetness helps balance the spice and acidity, creating a harmonious, full-bodied pairing.

Choosing a wine with good acidity is key to cutting through the richness of the bacon-wrapped shrimp and the butter sauce, ensuring each bite feels as fresh as the first.

Nutritional Insights: The Low-Carb Secret

For many diners, especially those following specific dietary plans, the nutritional information for a popular appetizer is a significant factor. Fortunately, the Drunken Shrimp offers a surprisingly favorable profile for low-carb and high-protein diets, thanks to its core ingredients.

Drunken Shrimp Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Based on the official nutritional information provided by Cooper's Hawk, the dish is typically calculated in three servings. For a single serving, the facts are as follows:

  • Calories: Approximately 230 Calories
  • Total Fat: Approximately 20g
  • Protein: Approximately 10g
  • Total/Net Carbs: 0g

The high-fat content comes primarily from the bacon and the Tequila Lime Butter Sauce, while the shrimp provides a healthy dose of protein. The absence of total carbs makes this a highly sought-after appetizer for those adhering to a keto or low-carbohydrate lifestyle. This focus on protein and healthy fats contributes to its reputation as a satisfying and substantial starter.

The Copycat Phenomenon and Culinary Entities

The enduring popularity of the Drunken Shrimp has spawned a massive online community dedicated to creating the perfect copycat recipe. Home cooks are constantly experimenting with different tequila brands (like Silver Patron), butter ratios, and spice blends to replicate the distinct "Mexican Drunken Shrimp" flavor profile. This community engagement further solidifies the dish's status as a culinary entity beyond the restaurant walls.

The success of the Drunken Shrimp is a testament to the power of a few key ingredients executed flawlessly: the smoky, savory bacon, the tender shrimp, and the bright, boozy Tequila Lime Butter Sauce, all cooled down by the creamy, fresh guacamole. It remains a signature appetizer that defines the Cooper's Hawk dining experience today.

cooper's hawk drunken shrimp
cooper's hawk drunken shrimp

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