Easy holiday simmer pot recipes to fill your home with festive scents

There is no denying the comforting aromas of the holidays—think warm notes of cinnamon, cloves, fresh pine, and citrus. If you’re looking for an easy way to fill your home with these warm and inviting scents, holiday simmer pots are the perfect solution. They’re simple to make, super customizable, affordable, and bring a delightful ambiance to any home. In this blog, we’ll cover everything you need to know about holiday simmer pots, from ingredients and recipes to tips on making them last.

Simmer Pot 101

A simmer pot (AKA stovetop potpourri) is a pot filled with water, spices, fruits, herbs, and other aromatic ingredients that is heated on the stove or in a slow cooker to release a fragrant steam. As the ingredients gently simmer, they fill your home with a delightful scent that is perfect for setting the mood during the holiday season. Unlike candles or artificial air fresheners, simmer pots use all-natural ingredients, making them a healthier alternative for filling your home with seasonal aromas.

How to make a holiday simmer pot

Making a holiday simmer pot is easy and requires just a few steps:

1. Choose your pot: Decide if you’re going to use your stovetop or a slow cooker. A small to medium size is best. If using your stove, make sure your pot is sturdy and heat-resistant to withstand hours of cooking.
2. Add water: Fill your pot about halfway with water. Additional water can always be added as it evaporates to keep the pot simmering for longer.
3. Add your ingredients: Select your favorite ingredients and add them to your pot of water. You can choose from the list of common ingredients below or follow a specific recipe.
4. Simmer and enjoy: With water and ingredients in the pot, it’s time to heat. If on the stovetop, bring the water to a gentle boil. Then, reduce the heat to a low simmer and let the pot work its magic. If you’re using a slow cooker, set it to low and leave the lid off to allow the scent to fill the room.
5. Monitor and refill: As your pot simmers away, you’ll notice the water level gradually drop due to evaporation. Add more water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.

Common Ingredients for Holiday Simmer Pots

Everyone's idea of the perfect holiday scent is different, and that's the beauty of a simmer pot—you can easily customize it with a variety of ingredients to suit your unique holiday vibe. Here are some popular options to inspire you:

• Citrus Fruits: Sliced oranges, lemons, and limes add a fresh, zesty note to your simmer pot. They also pair beautifully with spices for a classic holiday scent.
• Spices: Cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, nutmeg, and ginger are holiday staples that add warmth and spice to your pot. You can also use ground spices in a pinch, but whole spices tend to last longer.
• Herbs: Fresh or dried woody herbs like rosemary, thyme, and bay leaves add a green, earthy aroma that complements the spices and citrus. Typically, a few sprigs of fresh herbs or a tablespoon of dried herbs will do the trick.
• Extracts and oils: A dash of vanilla or almond extract brings a warm, sweet undertone to your simmer pot, while peppermint or eucalyptus adds a crisp, refreshing note.
• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen cranberries add a pop of color and a tart note to the mix, enhancing both the look and scent of your pot.
• Pine or Cedar Twigs: Bring the outdoors inside with the fresh, woodsy fragrance of sprigs of pine, cedar, or fir. Hello Christmas.
• Apple Slices: Fresh apple slices lend a soft, fruity sweetness to your pot, perfectly complementing the warmth of cinnamon and cloves.

Classic holiday simmer pot recipes

1. Classic Christmas Simmer Pot

• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 sprig of rosemary
• 1 cup cranberries
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

2. Warm Apple Spice Simmer Pot

• 1 apple, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 whole nutmeg, cracked
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 bay leaf
• A splash of almond extract

3. Gingerbread Cookie Simmer Pot

• 3-4 slices of fresh ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• A splash of vanilla extract

How Long Do Simmer Pots Last?

Simmer pots can fill your home with fragrance for several hours or even days if you keep adding water to prevent them from drying out. However, the scent will gradually lose its strength over time. To extend its life, store the brew in an airtight container in the refrigerator between uses. Using fresh ingredients will also ensure a stronger, longer-lasting aroma. When you've finished enjoying your simmer pot, compost the leftover ingredients to give them a second life.

Holiday simmer pots are a simple and delightful way to create a warm, inviting atmosphere in your home. With just a few common ingredients and a little time, you can fill your space with festive aromas that make everyone feel welcome. Whether you love the classic scent of oranges and cloves or the cozy sweetness of gingerbread, there’s a recipe for you. So grab a pot, choose your ingredients, and start simmering your way to a more fragrant holiday season!

Ready to fill your home with the scents of the season? Start mixing and matching your favorite ingredients, or choose a recipe to get started.