There’s something so inviting about a backyard that glows a little at dusk, especially when you can also keep mosquitoes at bay while you’re visiting with family and friends. These DIY outdoor citronella torches turn empty wine bottles into pretty, practical patio lights, and I love a project that feels both useful and a little bit special without costing a fortune.
I’m especially fond of this one for summer cookouts, porch dinners, and those evenings when everybody wants to linger outside after the plates are cleared. If you’re comfortable with a simple assembly project and can work carefully with torch fuel, this is an easy weekend make that gives you a lovely handmade result.
Materials
3 empty wine bottles, 750 ml each, cleaned and fully dried
Instructions
1. Wash the wine bottles with warm water and a few drops of dish soap, then rinse and let them dry completely inside and out. Any moisture left in the bottles can interfere with the fuel.
2. Measure and cut the copper pipe into 2-inch lengths if it is not already pre-cut. Use a tubing cutter for the cleanest edge, then wipe away any copper dust.
3. Thread one fiberglass wick through each copper pipe piece so that about 1 inch extends out the top and the rest hangs below. The wick should fit snugly but still slide through without bunching up.
4. Fit each copper pipe into a copper coupling to create the torch top assembly. Test one in the neck of a bottle; it should sit securely at the opening without dropping inside.
5. Set the bottles on a flat surface and use a funnel to fill each one about two-thirds full with citronella torch fuel, or roughly 16 ounces per bottle. Wipe up any drips right away and keep the bottle exteriors clean and dry.
6. Insert the wick assembly into each bottle neck so the lower end of the wick reaches down into the fuel. Let the wick soak for at least 20 to 30 minutes before lighting for the first time.
7. When you’re ready to use them, place the bottles outdoors on a stable, heat-safe surface away from foot traffic, overhangs, and anything flammable. Light the wick carefully with a long lighter, and keep the flame adjusted by trimming the exposed wick if it burns too high.
8. To extinguish the torch, gently blow it out or use a metal snuffer, then let the copper cool completely before moving the bottle. Store any unused torches upright in a safe place out of reach of children and pets.
Variations & Tips
Different bottle colors: Green, clear, amber, or blue glass bottles all work nicely, and mixing colors can make a patio table feel festive without any extra decorating.
For picky decorators: If your family likes things simple, stick with matching wine bottles for a cleaner look. If everybody enjoys a little personality like mine does, use bottles in different shapes for a more collected, relaxed style.
Wick tip: Fiberglass wick is the best choice for this project because it is made for torch use and holds up much better than cotton or household string.
Fuel reminder: Only use citronella or torch fuel intended for outdoor torches. I would not substitute lamp oil, alcohol, or any homemade fuel mixture here.
Stability tip: These are prettiest on a patio table, but they’re safest where they cannot be knocked over. If your backyard gets busy with kids, pets, or lots of serving dishes moving around, place them along the edge of a wide stone ledge or a sturdy outdoor shelf instead.
Refill advice: Refill the bottles only when they are fully cool, and avoid filling above two-thirds full so you have a little air space and less chance of spills.
Weather note: Bring the torches in during rain or strong wind. I’ve found they last much longer when stored dry between gatherings.