Putting on the final touches. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Karin Stanton | Hawaii 24/7 Editor

The Third Annual Don the Beachcomber’s Mai Tai Festival at the Royal Kona Resort crowned a new champion for concocting the “World’s Best Mai Tai.”

A total of 29 bartenders and mixology masters had 7 minutes to stir up their best cocktail for a slate of judges that included Manny Hinojosa, Chris Teves, Mick Fleetwood, Sam Choy and Beachbum Berry.

By the end of the evening, Christina Maffei was awarded the title and a $10,000 check.

“I won, I won, I won, I won. I can’t believe it. I’m still shaking,” Maffei, 32, said.

The food and beverage manager at Trump International Hotel Waikiki Beach said she was fourth last year and returned this year with a new mix-up called ‘Ilikea’s Mai Tai.’

In the People’s Choice division, the champ came all the way across the street from Okolemaluna Tiki Lounge in Alii Sunset Plaza.

After coming second last year, lounge owner Brice Ginardi said his popular beverage likely would be a favorite at his establishment.

Saturday’s events also featured a Beachbum Berry Mai Tai history seminar, Battle of the BBQ cook-off, Big Island Mai Tai Marketplace, Henry Kapono CD Release Pool Party featuring entertainment by Kapono’s popular band, and an evening concert by Spin Doctors.

— Find out more:
www.donsmaitaifest.com

2011 winner Christina Maffei poses for photos after the big fake check presentation. She'll get a real check soon. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Judges Mick Fleetwood, Sam Choy and Beachbum Berry enjoy the afternoon. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Mixologist and judge Manny Hinojosa tastes one of the concoctions. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)

Mixing it up at the Mix-Off. (Hawaii 24/7 photo by Karin Stanton)