In honor of all the Labor Day BBQs that are going down this weekend, we’ve created DIY tiki torches out of classic American liquor bottles. I originally spotted this idea at my friend Todd’s fiesta party and being the party enthusiast I am, it was a “tell me how you did that right now or I’ll put out my desserts” situation… just kidding ; ) To my surprise they’re incredibly easy to make! There’s a wonderful shop on Etsy called Harvest Moon Shoppes who make the custom copper wick tips and caps. They’re only $12 for two so you can’t go wrong! I ordered four and then headed to the mart to find some classic Kentucky Bourbon Whiskey bottles that would make a statement and look beautiful sitting out. The light and atmosphere they create is stunning. I’ve always been a fan of tiki torches, but now you can bring that perfect party lighting to any event… not just a luau!
What you need
- Two custom tiki torch wicks from Harvest Moon Shoppes.
- Bottles with the same size opening as a beer or wine bottle.
- Tiki torch fluid
- Matches
Directions
- Since you’ll need the bottles empty, you can use a bottle that’s already been tapped into : ) or empty the alcohol into an airtight jar to keep it.
- Wash the bottles with water
- Fill the bottom of the bottle with water, just below the wick, don’t let the wick touch the water
- Then fill the bottle with tiki fluid
- Drench the wick in tiki torch fluid and then place it back in the bottle
- Light away from people, trees or anything else that may be hazardous
- When you’re done, blow the flame out and then place the copper cap back on the wick
Be safe and enjoy!
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viv says
August 27, 2013 at 11:05 amOh my gosh. I have like 50 empty whiskey bottles and have been trying to figure out what to do with them. This is perfect!
Maybe I can actually sell the bottles on craigslist now that I have a suggestion for use. Thanks for the post today!
SGH says
June 21, 2014 at 11:46 pmMe too viv, I have a few bottle of wine that I think I need to finish as well. Very cool idea. FH
Gijo says
September 3, 2013 at 12:31 pmHi,
These look fabulous. Just wondering though… Why do you need to put water in first?
Thanks.
Illuminus Creations says
September 7, 2013 at 7:06 pmHello Gijo
The water is used to help conserve oil. You can fill the bottle with water up to the bottom of the wick and then fill the rest of the way with oil. The oil will float on top of the water.
Patty says
August 21, 2017 at 2:31 pmInstead of water in the bottom can you substitute rocks or sand ?
Eden says
August 25, 2017 at 8:13 amWe have never tried that! Not sure if that would work though…
Cheryl Payne says
September 17, 2013 at 12:13 amLove this idea. Where do I get the cooper caps from?
Eden says
September 17, 2013 at 10:19 amHi Cheryl! Thank you so much! You can buy them here: http://www.etsy.com/listing/111545885/2-outdoor-custom-copper-wine-bottle-tiki?ref=shop_home_active
Cheryl Payne says
September 17, 2013 at 10:48 amThank you so for your quick response Eden. I love this website, I found a lot GREAT ideas.
Eden says
September 17, 2013 at 6:34 pmYou’re welcome!! Thank you for the sweet comment! SO happy you’ve found some good ideas on S&C!! 🙂
Pedro Rodríguez says
October 16, 2013 at 5:51 amPero no tienen nada más que muy buenas ideas los felicito.
sandy says
April 2, 2014 at 6:05 amI am So. Intrigued. By this idea, would love to see more:
Millicent says
May 31, 2014 at 8:46 pmI love this idea
Lue Patterson says
June 1, 2014 at 2:32 pmThis is so rad!
Makes for a fun Summer host gift too 😉
Sandy says
June 7, 2014 at 9:26 amWhere else can i purchase the copper stoppers and wicks? I am not a patient person with ordering. I prefer to go buy the stuff and start….any suggestions?
Eden says
June 8, 2014 at 1:04 pmHi Sandy! Right now I only know of the few places online that sell them. You could try making your own with materials from a hardware store if you think it’s something you’d be able to do. Otherwise, I would just order them and hopefully they’ll get to you within a few days.
Kimberly says
June 24, 2014 at 7:33 amI can not find the tops on Etsy – can you give a link to where the tops can be bought.
Lancel Roll'N Rock Tasche Rosa says
July 22, 2014 at 11:42 pmGefilmt vor Ort bei ein Art ein Ort, wo Lassen Sie persönlich welche Hunde! noch etwas bedeutet.
Lancel Roll’N Rock Tasche Rosa http://www.skoupy.net/lancel/lancel-rolln-rock-tasche-rosa-p-120.html
Tracy says
August 1, 2014 at 4:21 pmThese are very cool. What is the reason for putting the water in the bottom of the bottle?
Karen says
August 16, 2014 at 8:54 amWhere do you get the copper or metal piece that sits inside the bottle and feed the wick into?
TAMMYD says
April 15, 2017 at 7:00 pmTried them. Love them. Made my own wick holders from brass fittings out of the plumbing department. Used food coloring to make my bourbon brownish.
KEITH says
May 4, 2017 at 7:08 pmWhere do i buy & build the caps for the bottles thank you
Eden says
May 14, 2017 at 7:20 pmHi! We linked a place on Etsy you can buy them in the post.
Mark says
May 20, 2017 at 6:32 amHave scotch bottle with the wooden/cork tops….can those still be used or do i have to use the copper fittings to hold the wicks? Have tried but wick wont stay lit..
Len says
June 5, 2017 at 7:40 amAm I the only who thinks this is really dangerous? They could get knocked over very easily, especially if you are having a party, and people have had a few drinks.
Texasgal says
August 4, 2017 at 9:18 amKinda confused could you please explain if water stays in bottle when pouring tiki fluid maybe it’s just me but I don’t understand what the water is for if. It to touch the wik please help
Karla says
November 26, 2017 at 10:57 amQuestion: Did you glue or cement the ring to the top of the bottle?
Eden says
November 27, 2017 at 11:06 amWe did not, it just fit nicely in there.
Madison says
August 15, 2018 at 11:33 amHello! Just wondering how long a standard whiskey bottle would last??