A freshly made simmer pot consisting of cranberries, rosemary sprigs, allspice berries, star anise seed pods, and one cinnamon stick.
Julia Nichols, ©2025, Clemson Extension
Why Use Simmer Pots for Holiday Scents
Simmer pots are a wonderful and ancient way to blanket your home with the smells of the holiday season. Winters in our home smell of vibrant pine, sweet cranberries, warm spices, invigorating rosemary, and uplifting citrus.
Incorporating bits of dried or fresh-cut herbs from the garden makes excellent use of harvested goods, too. Simmer pots are a chemical-free alternative to candles and wax melts. They also make great gifts!
A scented simmer pot originates from ancient, global practices in folk and traditional cultures. Using the essential oils in ingredients, a scented steam will fill your home with cozy scents.
It provides a way to scent your home without using artificial fragrances, making it a healthier option for those with sensitivities.
What a Simmer Pot Is and How It Works
A simmer pot is a stove-top-safe pot filled partially with water and aromatic ingredients, placed on the stove on a low heat setting to create a gentle simmer that produces a light aroma for your home.
The simmering of your ingredients will naturally and slowly release their oils and fragrances into the pot of water.
A medium saucepan, glass pot, or enameled cast-iron Dutch oven can be used. I typically dedicate one pot to use as a simmer pot. Avoid reactive metals, like aluminum, as they can affect the fragrance and quality of your blend.
Seasonal Simmer Pot Ingredient Ideas
Playing with scent combinations throughout the seasons can be fun, but winter scents always help lift spirits through the shorter days. You can use scraps from leftover fruits or ingredients that you have on hand.
The customizability of simmer pots makes each batch unique. Some examples of ingredients that can be used:
Winter Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Cranberries
- Dried or fresh orange slices (fresh or dehydrated)
- Bay leaves
- Pine tree sprigs
- Rosemary sprigs
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Allspice berries
- Star anise seed pods
- Cedar sprigs
Spring Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Lemon or grapefruit slices (fresh or dehydrated)
- Thyme sprigs
- Peppercorns
- Bay leaves
Summer Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Lemon or lime slices (fresh or dehydrated)
- Fresh mint sprigs
- Lavender
- Rosemary sprigs
- Ginger
Fall Simmer Pot Ingredients
- Apple slices or peels
- Pear slices or peels
- Cinnamon sticks
- Whole cloves
- Star anise seed pods
- Cardamom seeds
- Vanilla extract
A simmer pot on the stove containing two cinnamon sticks, orange slices, cedar sprigs, whole cloves, and star anise seed pods.
Julia Nichols, ©2025, Clemson Extension
How Long Simmer Pots Last and Safety Tips
One simmer pot can last for a few hours. The water level will decrease over time due to evaporation.
You will need to occasionally refill your pot with fresh water to keep the ingredients submerged. Always keep an eye on your pot and never leave it unattended.
Change your ingredients out after a few pot fills. You will notice the scent diminish and the ingredients become mushy.
Once you’ve chosen your ingredients, assembling a simmer pot is simple.
How to Make a Simmer Pot
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Fill your pot one-half to two-thirds with water.
- Add your custom blend of ingredients.
- Bring the pot to a gentle simmer on the stove.
- Reduce the heat to low and let it steam.
- Add water, as needed.
Additional Resources
HGIC 1311, Herbs
HGIC 3086, Drying Herbs, Seeds & Nuts
HGIC 3084, Drying Fruits
HGIC Drying Oranges for Holiday Decorations
