The prawn cocktail conquered the world in the 1960s and 1970s as the height of dinner-party sophistication, and Australia embraced it with particular enthusiasm — the pairing of sweet local prawns with a creamy, tangy sauce becoming the classic first course of the big family Christmas lunch. Even as it fell out of fashion elsewhere, Australians never really let it go, and the prawn cocktail in a glass remains a nostalgic festive tradition, alongside the Boxing Day cold spread and the summer backyard barbecue.
What makes it great is the bright, clean contrast of flavours: sweet, chilled prawns, crisp iceberg lettuce, and a punchy, slightly retro cocktail sauce with a proper hit of brandy or Worcestershire. Served in elegant glasses, it’s effortless to prepare ahead, looks wonderfully festive, and tastes like sunshine and celebration — a perfect start to any special meal.
