Kingsport — A popular cocktail is sparking controversy between Tennessee and New York.
It’s a particular set of ingredients, and they’re all part of that "Kingsport, Tennessee taste" that's just right for Trey DeVault.
“There’s nothing better," Devault said.
He likes to get Long Island Iced Teas at East Coast Wings and Grill.
“At the bar I get a Long Island Tea or a beer," Devault said.
The Long Island Iced Tea Kingsport-style at East Coast Wings and Grill: Vodka, rum, gin, tequila, maple syrup, whiskey, limes and lemons, and cola to top it off.
And as far as Kingsport is concerned, it’s the original way to make the tea — not how those folks up north would do it.
“This battle could renew the civil war," Devault said.
A group of bars in Long Island, New York declared a beverage war on Kingsport after Kingsport’s Chamber of Commerce declared claimed the drink is original to their city.
New York sent a letter to the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce.
“When I read it, I just busted out laughing," Jud Teague, with the Kingsport Chamber of Commerce, said.
New York says it started in 1972 in the Hamptons, while Kingsport says Charlie “Old Man Bishop” made it during prohibition.
“I said, I’ve got to respond to that," Teague said.
Teague and the Chamber did respond, with a video and a follow up letter.
The letter is all southern, saying:
In Tennessee, where the mountains are smoky, our traditions are strong, and the world moves a little slower, there’s never been any question about heritage when it comes to alcoholic beverages.
“We’ll always be the original. Not to take anything away from them," Teague said. "They may taste a little different than ours does. But we still want to be known as the original.”
The battle is on—Teague says they’re heading to New York next week to discuss contest rules.
It could involve blind taste testing.