A Molotov Cocktail (also known as a bottle bomb, petrol bomb, gasoline bomb, Molly, or as simply a Molotov) is an improvised, hand-thrown incendiary weapon.  It is extraordinarily dangerous to construct, transport, and use.  As incendiary devices, Molotov cocktails are also illegal to manufacture or possess in many jurisdictions.  For example, in the United States, Molotov cocktails are considered "destructive devices" under the National Firearms Act and are regulated by the ATF.  Constructing a Molotov involves handling a flammable substance and a frangible container, each of which presents a risk of injury to the builder, and a very high risk in combination.   By design, a Molotov must be fragile enough to fracture and disperse on use, so transporting or even simply handling a Molotov also presents a danger to the user, or anyone happening upon it inadvertently, such as an unsupervised child.  The greatest risk of all is in using a Molotov Cocktail.  An improperly constructed Molotov, or even an improperly timed throw, can cause the Molotov to explode in the user's hand instead of the intended target range.  This can result in life-threatening severe burns, lacerations and blindness (from glass shrapnel), asphyxiation and internal burns (from inhaling combusting gases), poisoning (depending on the toxicity of fuel or combustion products), and even death of the user.  It is advised not to attempt to make a Molotov without the supervision of licensed professionals, such as a pyrotechnics technician or professional stunt rigger. 

Materials: 
- a frangible container (typically a glass bottle, though any container will do, so long as it will withstand being thrown, will break apart on impact, and can contain the fuel until then)
- flammable substance (typically petrol/gasoline, though diesel, methanol, turpentine, jet fuel, acetone, or alcohol have been used in place of, or combined with, petrol)
- fuse (usually a cloth strip, suitable to act as a wick and/or bottle stopper)
Optional:
- ballast material, such as sand, to improve throwing accuracy
- a slower-burning flammable substance, such as kerosene or alcohol, to soak the wick, instead or in addition to the the primary fuel
- a bottle stopper, rubber or cork, with a hole for the wick (holds the wick and fuel more securely than using the wick as the stopper)
- storm matches, and fireproof tape to secure them to the bottle, (for adverse weather conditions, such as wind or rain)
- thickening agent(s), such as: solvents, styrofoam, baking soda, petroleum jelly, tar, strips of tyre tubing, nitrocellulose, motor oil, rubber cement, detergent, or dish soap (to promote adhesion of the burning liquid and to create clouds of thick, choking smoke)

Construction:
  1. Fill the bottle with fuel (and optionally ballast and/or thickeners, 1/3 ballast if sand is used as a ballast).
  2. Push one end of the wick into the bottle far enough to make contact with the fuel.
  3. Pack the remaining wick tightly into the bottle opening to form a stopper, leaving a long tail outside the bottle to act as the "fuse" (wicking action will soak the fuse over time, or it can be soaked manually).

Some Precautions: (this is not an exhaustive list, always seek the advice and supervision of a professional before constructing any incendiary device)
- Work in a well ventilated area, with typical laboratory/occupational hazardous material safety equipment (fire extinguishers, fire blankets, eye wash station, chemical spill kit, etc), have a safety plan in place ahead of time for fire and spills.
- Wear eye protection at all times, wear gloves and lab apron if using fuels other than alcohol or thickening agents other than household items, or any other substance you are not sure about.
- Clean workspace and bottles after construction, use caution when handling (any slippery or flammable substance on hands, clothes, or on the outside of the bottle increases risk of accident, fire, or explosion).
- Especially seek professional advice and have a plan before attempting to transport or store Molotovs, even for a short distance or a short time; they present complex risks beyond the scope of construction, including explosive vapor off-gassing, breakage, and a liability to any person and property nearby, particularly curious bystanders and children.
- Safely dispose or store any unused materials in accordance with local laws and regulations, Molotovs should be disassembled (carefully) and separated before disposal; flammable soaked wicks/fuses/rags must never be left unattended until deactivated, and should be dried flat (never balled, crumpled, or twisted) or stored in a metal container of soapy water.
- Use extreme caution when selecting materials (fuels, thickening agents, any bottle other than glass), some chemicals can be dangerous when mixed, and some solvents can self-ignite when soaked into rags; consult an experienced chemist on the compatibility of your planned materials before construction.
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