14 Perfect Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes

The holidays are a magical time, filled with warm memories, cozy gatherings, and the delightful scents of the season. If you’re looking for a simple way to enhance your home’s atmosphere for Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes, these pots are a wonderful choice!

They are incredibly easy to make, cost-effective, and fill your home with seasonal aromas that create an inviting environment.

Simmer pots are essentially a mix of water, fruits, herbs, and spices gently heated to release their natural fragrances. Some recipes are even drinkable, adding an extra treat to your holiday traditions!

Below, you’ll find a variety of recipes, from Christmas classics to spring refreshers, each tailored to brighten your space and mood.

What Are Simmer Pots?

Simmer pots, also known as stovetop potpourri, are a natural way to scent your home. Unlike candles or artificial sprays, simmer pots are chemical-free and customizable.

They use simple ingredients, many of which you may already have in your kitchen, such as oranges, cinnamon, or cranberries.

Some recipes are drinkable, allowing you to enjoy the scent and flavor simultaneously!

1. Drinkable Simmer Pot Recipe

Nothing beats a simmer pot you can also drink! This recipe combines delightful holiday scents with a comforting beverage.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 3 whole cloves
• 1 star anise
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Pour the apple cider into a pot and add the orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise.
2. Heat the pot on low heat until the mixture begins to steam.
3. Stir in the vanilla extract and let it simmer for 20–30 minutes, stirring occasionally.
4. Serve the drink warm, or keep it simmering to enjoy the scent.

2. Candy Cane Simmer Pot Recipe

This candy cane simmer pot is perfect for Christmas, filling your home with the fresh, sweet scent of peppermint.

Ingredients:

• 3 candy canes (broken into pieces)
• 1 cup fresh mint leaves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine all the ingredients in a small pot.
2. Heat on medium until the water begins to steam, then reduce the heat to low.
3. Stir occasionally to ensure the candy canes melt evenly.
4. Add water as needed to keep the mixture from drying out.

3. Cleansing Simmer Pot Recipe

Perfect for a fresh start, this simmer pot cleanses your space with uplifting and purifying scents.

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 2 sprigs of rosemary
• 1 teaspoon dried lavender
• 1 teaspoon baking soda
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add water, lemon slices, rosemary, and lavender to a pot.
2. Heat the mixture over low heat, allowing it to gently release its aroma.
3. Stir in the baking soda to neutralize odors.
4. Let it simmer for as long as needed, adding water to keep the mixture hydrated.

4. Crockpot Simmer Pot Recipe

Simplify your simmer pot experience by using a crockpot for all-day fragrance.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 apple (sliced)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in your crockpot.
2. Set the crockpot to low and let it work its magic.
3. Check periodically and add more water as needed.

5. Witches’ Brew Simmer Pot Recipe

This spooky recipe is ideal for Halloween or anytime you want a mysterious, enchanting scent.

Ingredients:

• 1 purple plum (sliced)
• 1 apple (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon black tea leaves
• 3 whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a pot and bring to a simmer.
2. Stir occasionally to combine the ingredients.
3. Let the mixture simmer for a hauntingly good fragrance.

6. Cranberry and Orange Simmer Pot Recipe

A classic winter scent, this simmer pot is perfect for Christmas or New Year’s celebrations.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks to a pot filled with water.
2. Heat on medium until steaming, then lower the heat.
3. Stir in vanilla extract and let simmer.

7. Crate and Barrel Simmer Pot Recipe

Inspired by Crate and Barrel’s stylish approach, this recipe blends elegance and warmth.

Ingredients:

• 1 pear (sliced)
• 1 sprig of thyme
• 1 teaspoon honey
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot and heat gently.
2. Allow the pot to simmer, stirring occasionally.
3. Add water as needed.

8. Abundance Simmer Pot Recipe

Symbolizing prosperity, this recipe is perfect for setting positive intentions.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1 bay leaf
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1/2 teaspoon cloves
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a pot of water and bring to a simmer.
2. Let the pot simmer to fill your home with abundance-inspired aromas.

9. Apple Cider Simmer Pot Recipe

This recipe captures the cozy comfort of fall and winter evenings.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups apple cider
• 1 apple (sliced)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon ground allspice

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a pot and heat gently until steaming.
2. Stir occasionally and enjoy the rich scent of spiced apple cider.

10. Apple Cinnamon Coffee Simmer Pot Recipe

For coffee lovers, this recipe blends the aroma of brewed coffee with festive spices.

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup ground coffee
• 1 apple (sliced)
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place all ingredients in a pot and heat on low.
2. Stir occasionally and enjoy the bold, spiced fragrance.

11. Lemon Simmer Pot Recipe

Bright and fresh, this recipe is ideal for spring or summer.

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1 teaspoon dried mint
• 1 sprig of fresh basil
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a pot and heat on low.
2. Stir occasionally to blend the scents.

12. Simmer Pot Recipes for Christmas

Christmas is the season of joy, and this recipe captures the essence of the holiday spirit with its warm and cozy scent.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange (sliced)
• 1/2 cup cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Combine all ingredients in a pot of water and heat on medium.
2. Once the water begins to steam, lower the heat to a gentle simmer.
3. Stir occasionally to mix the ingredients and keep the aroma strong.
4. Add more water if needed to extend the simmering time.

13. Winter Simmer Pot Recipe

A cozy mix of spices and fruits, this recipe will make your home smell like a winter wonderland.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pine sprigs
• 1 orange (sliced)
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 star anise
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the pine sprigs, orange slices, and spices into a pot.
2. Add water and bring to a gentle simmer on low heat.
3. Stir occasionally and let the mixture release its festive fragrance.

14. Spring Simmer Pot Recipe

Light and floral, this simmer pot recipe is perfect for the rejuvenating energy of spring.

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon (sliced)
• 1/2 cup dried lavender
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 3 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add all ingredients to a pot of water and heat on low.
2. Allow the mixture to simmer gently, stirring occasionally.
3. Refill the pot with water as needed to maintain the fragrance.

Conclusion

Simmer pots are a wonderful way to fill your home with comforting, natural aromas. Whether it’s the festive warmth of cranberries and cinnamon or the refreshing zest of lemons and herbs, each recipe offers a unique charm.

Perfect for any season, they’re affordable, eco-friendly, and easy to create with everyday ingredients. Beyond their delightful scents, simmer pots also set a cozy mood, making them ideal for holidays or quiet moments at home.

Try these recipes and let your space feel warm, inviting, and magical.