The holiday season is officially upon us, and if you're anything like us, you're already trying to figure out how to take your spirits game beyond the standard whiskey and wine. Good news, mezcal lovers: we've got the perfect ceremonial showstopper for your Thanksgiving table—the legendary Pechuga Mezcal.

This isn't your everyday agave spirit. Pechuga is an ancestral tradition, typically reserved by Mezcaleros for the most special events and year-end celebrations. The magic happens during a third and final distillation where the liquid is infused with local seasonal fruits, spices, nuts, and, most famously, a suspended raw protein—often a turkey breast (hello, Thanksgiving tie-in!). This process doesn't make the mezcal taste like meat, but instead gently rounds out the spirit, creating an unparalleled elegance, complexity, and creamy, full-bodied texture that’s simply perfect for sipping on a cold holiday night.

Ready to trade the cranberry sauce for a side of smoky complexity? We've gathered some truly exceptional expressions from the world’s best producers. Read on to discover the unique complexity offered by brands like Montelobos, Del Maguey, Bozal Mezcal, Yola, and Erstwhile Mezcal—any of which will instantly make your Thanksgiving toast legendary.