5 Easy Seasonal Simmer Pot Recipes
There’s something so comforting about filling your home with delightful, natural fragrances. And what better way to do that than with fragrant simmer pot recipes?
These seasonal simmer pots are not only easy to make but also customizable for every season of the year.
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Whether you’re celebrating the crispness of fall, the freshness of spring, or the coziness of Christmas, there’s a recipe perfect for the occasion.
I’m excited to share these simple, aromatic stovetop potpourri simmer pot recipes that will have your home smelling wonderful in no time!
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What is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is a blend of aromatic ingredients that you simmer on the stovetop to fill your home with natural fragrance.
Think of it as stovetop potpourri—an easy, chemical-free way to freshen the air while adding a cozy vibe.
All you need is a few ingredients, a pot of water, and a little heat.
The beauty of a simmer pot is its versatility. You can use seasonal fruits, herbs, and spices to reflect the time of year, creating a warm and inviting atmosphere. Plus, it’s an excellent way to use up fruit that’s past its prime!
Spring Simmer Pot Recipe
Spring is all about renewal and fresh, floral scents. This Spring Simmer Pot brings the garden indoors with a light, refreshing fragrance that will make your space feel clean and vibrant.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 lime, sliced
- 1 sprig of fresh rosemary
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- A handful of fresh lavender or lilac (optional)
- 2-3 cups of water
Instructions:
- Add the lemon and lime slices to a small pot of water.
- Toss in the rosemary and, if you have it, a handful of lavender or lilac for a subtle floral touch.
- Add a teaspoon of vanilla extract for warmth and sweetness.
- Bring the pot to a gentle simmer and allow the fresh spring scents to fill your home.
This bright and uplifting mix of citrus and herbs is perfect for spring cleaning days or anytime you want to refresh your space.
Summer Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
Summer scents should be light, fruity, and just a little tropical. This summer simmer pot brings together citrus and herbs with a hint of sweetness, giving you the feeling of a breezy beach day.
Ingredients:
- 1 orange, sliced
- 1 lemon, sliced
- A few sprigs of fresh mint or 2-3 springs of fresh thyme
- 1 teaspoon coconut extract
- A handful of fresh basil leaves
- 2-3 cups of water
Instructions:
- Place the orange and lemon slices into a pot of water.
- Add the mint and basil for an herbaceous note.
- Stir in the coconut extract to give the simmer pot a tropical vibe.
- Let the mixture simmer on the stove and enjoy the fresh, summery aroma.
This combination brings the outdoors in, making it perfect for summertime gatherings or just a regular day when you want your home to feel fresh and lively.
Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
When autumn rolls in, it’s time to embrace the rich, spicy fragrances of the season. This Fall Simmer Pot blends apples, cinnamon, and cloves to bring that unmistakable fall coziness to your home.
Check out this post where I share 11 Ways to Make Your Home Smell Like Fall this Weekend for even more inspiration!
Ingredients:
- 1 apple, quartered
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon ground cloves or a handful of whole cloves or star anise
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 2-3 cups of water
Instructions:
- Add the apple quarters and orange slices to a pot filled with water.
- Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cloves for that classic fall spice.
- Add the vanilla extract to round out the fragrance with a touch of warmth.
- Let everything simmer gently and breathe in the cozy, autumnal scents.
This simmer pot is perfect for those crisp fall days when you want to feel extra cozy. The combination of apple and cinnamon is like having a warm apple pie baking in the oven all day.
Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe
Nothing says Christmas like the smell of pine, cranberries, and cloves. This Christmas Simmer Pot is filled with the festive scents of the holiday season, instantly transporting you to a cozy winter wonderland.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- A handful of whole cloves
- 2 sprigs of fresh pine or a couple of drops of pine essential oil
- 2-3 cups of water
Instructions:
- Combine the cranberries, orange slices, and cinnamon sticks in a pot of water.
- Add the cloves and fresh pine for that festive holiday fragrance.
- Simmer on low and let the Christmas magic fill your home.
This simmer pot is perfect for Christmas morning, family gatherings, or any time you want to evoke the warmth and joy of the holiday season.
Winter Stovetop Potpourri Recipe
When winter arrives, it’s all about creating a cozy, comforting atmosphere. This Winter Simmer Pot is a blend of warm spices, vanilla, and citrus, making your home feel like a comforting retreat from the cold.
Ingredients:
- 1 lemon, sliced
- 1 orange, sliced
- 2-3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
- 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
- 2-3 cups of water
Instructions:
- Add the lemon and orange slices to your pot of water.
- Drop in the cinnamon sticks and ground nutmeg for a rich, spicy aroma.
- Stir in the vanilla extract to give the mixture a smooth, comforting fragrance.
- Simmer on the stove and enjoy the cozy, wintry scent.
This simmer pot is ideal for cold winter days when you just want to snuggle up with a blanket and relax.
How to Use and Reuse Simmer Pots
Simmer pots are as easy as they sound. Once you have your ingredients ready, simply add them to a pot of water, bring it to a simmer, and let the natural aromas fill your home.
To get the most out of your simmer pot fragrance, let it simmer on low for two hours before turning it off.
If you need to leave the house, you can turn off the stove and reheat the simmer pot later in the day. Just add more water as needed to keep it from drying out.
Depending on the fruit you use in the simmer pot, you may reuse the same simmer pot ingredients for up to four days if you refrigerate overnight.
These simmer pot recipes are a wonderful, natural way to bring the scent of the seasons into your home.
They’re customizable, so feel free to swap out ingredients based on what you have on hand or your personal preferences.
Enjoy experimenting with these simple stovetop potpourri recipes, and let your home be filled with the beauty of natural aromas year-round!
