DIY Tiki Torch Bottles
Aug 27, 2013, Updated Feb 06, 2025
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DIY Tiki Torch Bottles are a fun way to recycle glass bottles and use them to create a beautiful ambiance outside! You can turn any glass bottle into an outdoor tabletop tiki torch! Perfect for outdoor entertaining!
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Pin ItWe’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 won’t put out my desserts” situation…
To my surprise, they’re incredibly easy to make! There’s a wonderful shop on Etsy called Harvest Moon Shoppes that makes 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!
Table of Contents
Supplies for Tiki Bottles
- 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. The fuel will float on top of the water and reduces the amount of fuel needed and so the fuel doesn’t haven’t to travel as far up the wick.
- 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
Tips for keeping the torch wick lit:
- Use high-quality torch fuel such as Tiki
- Saturate your wick with fuel prior to lighting
- Keep your bottle full of torch fuel
- Don’t allow the wick to become exposed to moisture
More Fun DIY Projects to Make!
- Homemade Oil Candles
- DIY Fire Starters
- Enamel Painted Vases – One of my most popular DIY’s!
- DIY Citronella Candles
- Terra Cotta Candles
- DIY Essential Oil Candles
Share a picture with us if you make these! I would love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram @Sugarnadcharm.
Like everyone, I’m wondering why the water in the bottom? Also can the water and torch fluid be colored? Thank you!
Hi! The fuel will float on top of the water and reduces the amount of fuel needed and so the fuel doesn’t haven’t to travel as far up the wick. I’m not sure about coloring as we have never tried that.
Hello! Just wondering how long a standard whiskey bottle would last??
Question: Did you glue or cement the ring to the top of the bottle?
We did not, it just fit nicely in there.
Kinda 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
Am 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.
Have 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..
Where do i buy & build the caps for the bottles thank you
Hi! We linked a place on Etsy you can buy them in the post.
Tried them. Love them. Made my own wick holders from brass fittings out of the plumbing department. Used food coloring to make my bourbon brownish.
Where do you get the copper or metal piece that sits inside the bottle and feed the wick into?