Altus – Melbourne’s newest rooftop venue – plays host to sky-high weddings and engagement parties. At 12 floors up, this poolside bar, lounge and restaurant offers sprawling views across Melbourne’s South East and offers a variety of private and semi-private spaces to suit just about all of your wedding-related celebrations. The light turns especially magical up here during golden hour to dusk.

Altus East and West are the dedicated private event spaces here; combined they can host up to 150 people for a cocktail party or up to 110 people seated for a banquet. Altus will even deliver high tea to your bridal party in your hotel suite on the floors just below while you get ready. Don’t forget to request a Superior King Room – the luxury interiors can count as your lucky “something blue”.

Being a part of the Hotel Chadstone, it makes complete sense that Altus’ signature cocktail – the Fleur La Mode – is inspired by fashion. This drink is a homage to Christian Dior, particularly the designer’s “flower code” whereby he would create structure and embellishments for his garments based on flowers. Naturally, this recipe is fragrant, sweet and floral and includes proper French bubbles!

Fleur La Mode by Altus

  • 20ml Belvedere Pure Vodka
  • 15ml Fino Sherry
  • 20ml lemon juice
  • 20ml raspberry puree
  • 30ml jasmine and rose-water syrup
  • 1 egg white
  • 90ml Veuve Clicquot Champagne
  • Edible flower, to garnish

Add all ingredients – aside from Champagne and garnish – to a shaker. Dry shake (without ice). Add ice. Shake again. Double strain into a chilled coupe glass. Top with Champagne and float your favourite flower on top.

Images via Hotel Chadstone

About Ms Fleur De Lys: Aside from being Ms Polka’s Editorial Assistant, Ms Fleur de Lys is also Polka Dot Bride’s Melbourne correspondent so you’ll see her running all over town finding wedding inspiration. As both a lifestyle journalist and cocktail aficionado, Fleur appreciates the power of words whipped up as deftly as a good martini.