06 May 2026
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Set inside a former bank in Québec City’s St-Roch neighborhood (and not in the area’s long-lost learning bell tower as the name would imply), Le Clocher Penché offers refined French-Québécois fare in an intimate and casual bistro setting. Anchoring the airy, wood-accented room, where the old bank counter once stood, the convivial bar serves as the restaurant’s social center as much as a focal point. Here, co-owner Thomas Pélissier and his team craft a curated list of classic and creative, signature cocktails — and mocktails in equal measure — that draw on the surrounding terroir and delight guests with the perfect start to any meal.
Read on to learn more from Pélissier about the restaurant and its cocktail program, as well as a find a recipe for Le Clocher Penché Elder 75, which is inspired by the classic French 75.
How would you describe the cocktail format at La Clocher Penché? What makes it special?
I would describe it as a changing menu, ideally based on the seasons, but also aiming to showcase lesser-known or rare, high-quality spirits. Our menu features a selection of around 15 original cocktails and mocktails. Of course, we can offer the classics, but we prefer to highlight our own creations. What makes it special is most likely its accessibility and its ability to complement food. Our offering remains in a restaurant setting, not a bar, but is just as classy.How do you design new cocktails?
For us, when creating a new cocktail or mocktail, it's essential to consider the following elements: the balance provided by acidity, bitterness, mouthfeel and sweetness; the choice of glass; and the consistency of the flavors with the time of year.
What is the inspiration behind your signature cocktails?
We sometimes draw inspiration from classic cocktails we love, taking them in new directions in terms of flavor while respecting their structure. In other cases, we start from scratch, letting our inspiration and expertise be guided by the season and its accompanying vibe. It's often these results that surprise the most! 
How does Québec City and the surrounding region influence your cocktail menu?
Its influence stems not only from the seasonal produce available locally, but also from the choice of spirits used in our bar. For the past few years, we've been offered a range of quality spirits that rival more well-known brands by the numerous distilleries in the region and throughout Québec. For example, our selection of gin and vodka is made exclusively from Québec spirits. Half of our other spirits are also locally sourced.
What are the must-try cocktails on your list for new guests?
Oh, the difficult question, but one that customers actually ask us on their first visit! It's a bit like asking which of your children is your favorite! Of all the cocktails and mocktails on offer, none are truly alike, whether in intensity or flavor. Therefore, our choice is guided by the client's preferences. But if I had to give an answer, it would be colored by my personal taste, but I'd go with Kato — a wonderfully refreshing cocktail with cucumber and absinthe, made with vodka and green Chartreuse, which brings a beautiful complexity. It just screams summer! What’s your favorite non-alcoholic drink on the menu?
Currently, one mocktail I'm particularly fond of on the menu is the Rose. It's a cocktail with a pleasant bitterness from the non-alcoholic amaro and grapefruit. The base is non-alcoholic gin, and a vegan foamer gives the mocktail a lovely creamy texture. A touch of lemon juice balances everything perfectly!
What’s your ideal food and cocktail pairing?
Brighter and zestier cocktails or mocktails pair well with raw fish, whether prepared as ceviche or lightly cured in brine. This combination remains my favorite. However, other pairings are worth exploring. Sparkling wine cocktails complement fresh oysters or any kind of fresh seafood. Cocktails or mocktails with a pronounced smoky character and a good alcohol content go very well with grilled or smoked meats.
What makes Québec City dining special and different from other cities?
In my opinion, what makes Québec City so appealing for its culinary scene is definitely the large number and diversity of high-quality restaurants relative to its population size. Many establishments possess expertise, creativity and meticulous attention to detail, resulting in an incredible dining experience. These restaurants are plentiful in Québec City, allowing visitors to stay for several days and enjoy a truly memorable gastronomic experience. 
Elder 75 (Inspired by the classic French 75)
1 oz Dry Gin
1.5 oz Saint-Germain
0.5 oz lemon juice
0.5 oz elderflower syrup or simple syrup
3 sprigs of time
Sparkling wine
- Choose a beautiful stemmed glass, such as a martini or coupe. Fill it
with ice until very cold. - Combine all the ingredients in a shaker, add ice and shake vigorously.
- Empty the ice from the glass.
- Use a double strainer to pour the cocktail into the glass.
- Top with sparkling wine.
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Hero image: Congratulations to Thomas Pélissier of Le Clocher Penché in Québec City. © Le Clocher Penché
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