DIY Tiki Torch Bottles

Eden

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!

Glass bourbon and Jim Beam bottles with tiki torch hardware and fire.

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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 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. 

Bottle of Bullet Bourbon on a striped blue napkin.

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!

Adding tiki torch wicks to tiki bottles.

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
Empty bottle of bullet bourbon.

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
Tiki torch glass bottle

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!

Share a picture with us if you make these! I would love to see your creations! Tag us on Instagram @Sugarnadcharm.

About Eden

I’m Eden Passante and I develop, create, style and photograph every recipe and party on Sugar and Charm. I’m the author of Entertaining with Charm and have a Bachelor’s Degree in Home Economics and I’m here to help you create simple and easy recipes for entertaining and how to add charm to any gathering!

Read More About Me

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33 Comments

  1. Tracy says:

    These are very cool. What is the reason for putting the water in the bottom of the bottle?

    Reply
    1. Eden says:

      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.

      Reply
  3. Sandy says:

    Where 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?

    Reply
    1. Kimberly says:

      I can not find the tops on Etsy – can you give a link to where the tops can be bought.

      Reply
  4. Lue Patterson says:

    This is so rad!
    Makes for a fun Summer host gift too 😉

    Reply
  5. Millicent says:

    I love this idea

    Reply
  6. sandy says:

    I am So. Intrigued. By this idea, would love to see more:

    Reply
  7. Pedro Rodríguez says:

    Pero no tienen nada más que muy buenas ideas los felicito.

    Reply
  8. Cheryl Payne says:

    Love this idea. Where do I get the cooper caps from?

    Reply
    1. Cheryl Payne says:

      Thank you so for your quick response Eden. I love this website, I found a lot GREAT ideas.

      Reply
  9. Gijo says:

    Hi,
    These look fabulous. Just wondering though… Why do you need to put water in first?
    Thanks.

    Reply
    1. Illuminus Creations says:

      Hello 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.

      Reply
      1. Patty says:

        Instead of water in the bottom can you substitute rocks or sand ?

      2. Eden says:

        We have never tried that! Not sure if that would work though…

      3. Gale says:

        I saw a project on pinterest where they use sand and shells and that’s how I’m gonna make mine. They used crown royal bottles and Patron.

  10. viv says:

    Oh 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!

    Reply
    1. SGH says:

      Me too viv, I have a few bottle of wine that I think I need to finish as well. Very cool idea. FH

      Reply