Fresh Strawberry Cocktail
A Bear and Bison Inn

Luxury Bed & Breakfast & Wedding Venue
in Canmore, Alberta

June 16, 2021

Fresh Strawberry Cocktail

Chef Lonny’s Virtual Black Box Challenge #3

As summer approaches, it is the best time of year to get good strawberries from California, and local strawberries are on their way! This simple Strawberry cocktail uses simple ingredients, but delivers complex flavours, perfect for a morning or afternoon treat in the sun.

Strawberry Cocktail, A Bear and Bison

Ingredients

  • Fresh, ripe, strawberries
  • Ground pepper
  • Sugar
  • Splash of balsamic vinegar
  • Orange juice

 

This is a dish that is best prepared 1-2 hours before serving.

  1. Hull strawberries, taking as little of the flesh away as possible, (even if its not red).\
  2. Place in bowl and soak in hot water, (as hot as your tap will allow).
  3. Let soak for 1 minute, pour off water then a quick rinse under running hot water.
  4. Slice strawberries about a quarter inch thick, or thicker if you prefer.
  5. Place in bowl and sprinkle with a touch of finely ground black pepper.
  6. Sprinkle liberally with sugar, (granular is what I prefer).
  7. A small splash of balsamic vinegar, (regular, not reduced).
  8. 2-3 splashes of orange juice, see pictures for amount of liquid in bowl, (less is best, having a slightly thick sauce is the goal).

 

The trick is, to enhance the strawberries, not overpower the, with to much of any ingredient.

(season the strawberries, do not flavour the strawberries).

For fun, try pushing your creative skills and carve a strawberry rose as a garnish

 

 

 

This is amazing served with plain whipped cream or my favourite, on Häagen-Dazs

Vanilla Bean ice cream.

 

Bon Appetite,

Chef Lonny 

 

Chef Lonny’s Virtual Black Box Challenge

Strawberry Cocktail

Enter to win a FREE NIGHT STAY.

Recreate this recipe with your own unique twist, and share on Instagram or Facebook using #GrizzlyRecipe and tag us @bearandbisoninn.

A winner will be chosen the first week of this recipe release, so get cooking!

 

Chef Lonny’s NEXT Black Box Challenges will be released in our newsletter, subscribe to never miss a chance to win!

Follow us on social media for early release of the Black Box Challenge ingredients!

Congratulations to Anita Hessman, who won a free night stay with us for her epic recreation of our last challenge,  Lonny’s Watermelon Feta Salad.


Words can hardly express the gratitude and admiration we have for the entire team at the Bear & Bison Inn in Canmore. From the very beginning of our wedding planning journey to the final farewell on Sunday morning, every moment was handled with such care, professionalism, and heartfelt attention that we were left speechless more times than we can count.

Planning a wedding can be overwhelming, but the Bear & Bison made it feel effortless. Their team was not only incredibly organized but also intuitivethey seemed to anticipate our needs before we even realized them ourselves. Every detail was handled with such precision, from the ceremony setup to the timing of each meal, that we were able to be fully present and truly enjoy every second of the weekend. That is a rare and priceless gift to give a couple on their most important day.

One of the standout features was the food. “Out of this world” doesn’t even begin to do it justice. Each dish was crafted with obvious love and expertise—beautifully presented, bursting with flavour, and consistently praised by all our guests. Whether it was the thoughtfully curated breakfasts or the exquisite wedding dinner, every bite was unforgettable. We received so many compliments from friends and family who said it was the best wedding meal they’ve ever had. It truly felt like dining at a five-star restaurant, surrounded by the breathtaking beauty of the Rockies.

The inn itself is warm, inviting, and steeped in charm. It felt like home the moment we arrived, but better—like the kind of cozy retreat you dream of escaping to. The rooms were spotless, comfortable, and offered stunning mountain views that added a magical touch to every morning. Our guests couldn’t stop talking about how beautiful the venue was and how relaxing and enjoyable their stay had been.

What really made the Bear & Bison so special, though, was the people. The staff’s dedication to excellence and their genuine kindness were felt in everything they did. We never once felt like “just another event” or like things were being done out of routine. Instead, we felt seen, heard, and genuinely cared for. There was heart behind every decision, and that made all the difference.

Our wedding weekend turned out better than we ever could have imagined. It was filled with love, laughter, beauty, and unforgettable memories—all thanks to the incredible team at the Bear & Bison Inn. We are forever grateful for the role they played in the most meaningful weekend of our lives. If you are considering hosting your wedding here, do not hesitate—it will be the best decision you make.

James M. June 2025

A Truly Unforgettable Wedding Experience at the Bear & Bison Inn

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