This easy DIY tiki torch turns an empty glass bottle into a beautiful mosquito repellent tiki torch using one simple hardware-store fitting and a fiberglass wick. It doubles as decorative outdoor lighting for patios, decks, and backyard entertaining spaces. I prefer using low, squat bottles like Patron because they are more stable on a tabletop, but many glass bottles work well for this project.
Quick Look: DIY Tiki Torch
- ⏱ Prep Time: 10 minutes
- ❤️ Why you'll love this project: Creates decorative outdoor lighting while helping discourage mosquitoes during outdoor entertaining.
- 🧑🍳 Main items needed:Glass bottle, citronella fuel, fiberglass wick, black iron bushing
- 👌 Difficulty: Easy
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Jump to:
- Quick Look: DIY Tiki Torch
- Why This Project Works
- Why I Started Making These
- ❤️ What You'll Need
- Why These Parts Work
- Best Bottles to Use
- Can You Use Wine Bottles?
- ✅ How to Make a DIY Tiki Torch
- How to Make a DIY Mosquito Repellent Tiki Torch
- What I Learned After Using These for Years
- Expert Tips
- Troubleshooting
- DIY Mosquito Repellent Tiki Torch FAQ
- Safety Notes
- More Outdoor Entertaining Ideas
- Final Thoughts
This DIY tiki torch is simple, pretty, and practical. It takes about 10 minutes to assemble, requires no drilling, and provides both functional citronella protection and decorative outdoor lighting for outdoor entertaining. The warm glow creates ambiance on patios, outdoor dining tables, and backyard seating areas without the look of traditional tiki torches.
Why This Project Works
This DIY tiki torch is simple, pretty, and practical. It takes about 10 minutes to assemble, requires no drilling, and provides both functional citronella protection and decorative outdoor lighting.
Unlike traditional bamboo tiki torches, these glass bottle torches look right at home on a patio table, outdoor bar, or backyard dining space. The warm glow creates instant ambiance while helping make outdoor gatherings more comfortable.
Why I Started Making These
I originally made these DIY tiki torches because I wanted something prettier than traditional tiki torches when entertaining outdoors.
We spend a lot of time on our patio hosting friends, and I wanted citronella torches that looked intentional rather than something I needed to hide in the landscaping. After experimenting with several bottle styles, I found that short, heavy bottles created the most attractive and stable tabletop torches.
Today, I use them throughout the summer for patio dinners, happy hours, and backyard gatherings.
❤️ What You'll Need
✅ Empty glass bottleTIKI 9-inch White Fiberglass Torch WickCitronella torch fuelFunnelLong lighter
✅ RELIABILT ½-inch x ¼-inch Black Iron Bushing
✅ TIKI 9-inch White Fiberglass Torch Wick
✅ Citronella torch fuel
✅ Funnel
✅ Long lighter
➡️ Amazon DIY Tiki Torch List
Why These Parts Work
RELIABILT Black Iron Bushing
This inexpensive fitting sits securely inside the bottle opening and acts as a holder for the wick. It's the simple piece that makes this entire project possible.
Fiberglass Torch Wick
Unlike traditional cotton wicks, fiberglass wicks last significantly longer and don't burn away quickly. After testing both, fiberglass is the only wick I use now.
Citronella Fuel
Citronella fuel creates the flame and may help discourage mosquitoes around outdoor seating areas.
Best Bottles to Use
You can use several types of glass bottles for this DIY tiki torch.
Best options are heavy, low and squaty:
- Patron bottles
- Short whiskey bottles
- Low tequila bottles
- Decorative liquor bottles
- Wine bottles
I prefer low, squat bottles because they have a wider base and feel more secure on a table.
Can You Use Wine Bottles?
Yes, you can use wine bottles, and this is a great project if you are looking for DIY wine bottle ideas, wine bottle decor, or an easy way to reuse empty wine bottles.
A wine bottle tiki torch can look beautiful, especially grouped together outside. The one thing to remember is that wine bottles are taller and narrower, so they can be less stable than a short bottle.
✅ How to Make a DIY Tiki Torch
Amazon DIY Tiki Torch List.
1. Clean the bottle
Wash and dry the bottle completely before adding fuel.
2. Add the citronella fuel
Use a funnel to fill the bottle about two-thirds full with citronella torch fuel.
3. Add the wick
Thread the fiberglass wick through the black iron bushing. Leave about ¼ to ½ inch of wick exposed at the top.
4. Place the bushing in the bottle
Set the bushing into the bottle opening. It should sit securely in the neck of the bottle.
5. Let the wick soak
Let the wick absorb fuel for at least 30 minutes before lighting.
6. Light the torch
Use a long lighter to light the wick.
How to Make a DIY Mosquito Repellent Tiki Torch
- Clean Glass Bottle
Add citronella fluid.
- Measure Wick. A couple inches longer then the bottom.
- Thread Bushing
Thread the wick through the bushing.
- Trim
Trim the wick about a half inch above the bushing.
What I Learned After Using These for Years
After making and using these DIY tiki torches for several summers, I've learned a few things.
- Short bottles are noticeably more stable than wine bottles.
- Fiberglass wicks last much longer than cotton wicks.
- Less exposed wick creates a cleaner flame.
- Grouping two or three torches together creates a better look than using a single torch.
- Citronella works best when the torches are placed close to seating areas.
Most importantly, these solve two problems at once. They provide decorative outdoor lighting and help create a more enjoyable outdoor entertaining space.
Expert Tips
- Use a low, squat bottle for the most stable torch.
- Keep only a small amount of wick exposed.
- Too much wick can create a large flame.
- Let the wick fully soak before lighting.
- Do not use these torches in strong wind.
- Never leave a burning tiki torch unattended.
Troubleshooting
You can prep almost everything before guests arrive. The day before or morning of, you can:
DIY Mosquito Repellent Tiki Torch FAQ
Citronella tiki torches help deter mosquitoes, and they work best when paired with other mosquito-control measures like fans and removing standing water.
Yes, but low, heavy bottles are safest and most stable.
Yes. But I would fill the bottom with pebbles to add some weight, and keep it on a stable surface and out of the wind.
Yes. Fiberglass wicks usually last much longer than cotton wicks.
Safety Notes
Use these DIY tiki torches outdoors only. Keep them away from kids, pets, table linens, overhangs, and anything flammable. Do not use them in strong wind. Always extinguish the flame completely before refilling or moving the bottle.
More Outdoor Entertaining Ideas
Pair these citronella torches with a summer appetizer board, easy patio dinner, or outdoor cocktail setup for a cozy backyard gathering. See my Spring and Summer recipes and How to Host Your First Dinner Party, How to Cook Ribs in the Oven
Final Thoughts
This DIY tiki torch is one of my favorite outdoor projects because it is easy, inexpensive, and actually pretty enough for entertaining. Whether you use a Patron bottle, whiskey bottle, tequila bottle, or wine bottle, it is a simple way to turn an empty glass bottle into a beautiful citronella torch for summer nights outside.
