Need Your Daily Dose Of Vitamin C? Consider A Blood Orange Martini At Bar Bouchée.

I got a call from a friend Monday. She pretended like she was calling about work, but she was really calling to tell me about the Blood Orange martinis at Bar Bouchée on Scotland Avenue in Madison.

A seasonal favorite, they are a sublime combination of freshly squeezed Blood Orange juice, freshly squeezed lime juice, Cointreau (an orange-flavoured liqueur from Saint-Barthélemy-d'Anjou, France), and vodka.

Of course, visiting the bar at Bar Bouchée held the added attraction of visiting with Fernando, the French bistro's attentive, charming, and talented bartender.

When we arrived Monday night, however, Fernando was on the way out the door, Bar Bouchée takeout in hand. He could see we looked worried. He assured us we were in good hands with Ken, who was working the bar.

As it turns out, he was right as usual. Our drinks were perfect. Ken's recommendation about an accompaniment, charcuterie, was right on the mark. Attentive? Check. Charming? Check. Talented? Check.

The Blood Orange martini is available now and through the winter, but only for as long as those supplies last. If it sounds good to you, you might want to check it out sooner rather than later.