Fastachi Harvest Nut Mix

Fastachi Harvest Nut Mix is an Esplanda product shelved with the bar mixers. It is best treated as a dry, salty-savory snack to put out beside drinks, and it does not go into the glass. The product details don't list the exact nut varieties, roast style or seasoning, so check the pack for the ingredient list and any allergen statement. Mixes like this usually combine several roasted nuts, and the name suggests pistachio plays a part. Expect a toasty, savory character with some natural sweetness, and a salty finish if the mix is seasoned. Serve it at room temperature in a small, wide bowl or ramekin so guests can take a handful without crowding the drinks. Chilling nuts dulls their aroma and softens the crunch. If you want the flavor to open up, warm the mix briefly in a low oven and let it cool before serving. The most natural partners are drinks with some richness or bitterness to balance the salt and oil. Aged spirits such as bourbon, rye or Scotch, served neat or on a large ice cube, match well with roasted nuts, as do an Old Fashioned or a Manhattan. Amber ales, brown ales and porters work in the same way. Dry styles such as fino or amontillado sherry, or a crisp sparkling wine, cut through the fat and keep the palate fresh. A gin and tonic or a Negroni also works if you want something more bitter and herbal beside the nuts. For glassware, keep the drink in its usual vessel: a rocks glass for spirits, a tulip or pint glass for beer, a flute or coupe for sparkling wine. Put the nuts in a separate small dish, because the oils and salt on your fingers can mark the glass. The mix also suits a snack board with cheese, dried fruit and cured meats.