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When you want the smell of the holidays to fill your home, make this easy Christmas simmer pot. With just a handful of simple ingredients and a pot of simmering water, you can bring create a festive scent that will make the whole house smell amazing, anytime of the year!
What Is a Simmer Pot?
Think of it as a Christmas stovetop potpourri. It is made up of a mixture of ingredients, that when gently heated in water, release their fragrance, making your home smell like the holidays! It’s a safe alternative to candles, and has a more authentic, fresh smell than store bought fresheners. It can easily be customized with your favorite scents too.
Easy Christmas Simmer Pot Recipe
A Christmas simmer pot not only smells amazing, but can also trigger fun memories for the holiday season. Just grab the ingredients and let it simmer, then sit back and breathe in all of the Christmas scents you love.
Whether you’re preparing for a holiday party, or you are going to enjoy an evening in front of a fireplace wrapping gifts, a Christmas simmer pot transforms the moment with the magical scents it creates.
If you are looking for festive food recipes to go with parties, try Oreo Grinch Balls, Orange Cranberry Sauce, or this easy Christmas Chicken.
Ingredients You Will Need
- 1 large orange-sliced citrus for a fresh and refreshing scent.
- sliced 1 large apple sliced-adds a sweet smell without overpowering the other ingredients.
- 3 cinnamon sticks-nothing says holidays more than cinnamon!
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves-adds a slightly spicy kick to the pot.
- 3 star anise- a star shaped ingredient that not only adds a warm smell, but also a pretty and festive shape!
- 1 cup fresh cranberries-gives the scent an undertone tartness.
- 2 sprigs fresh rosemary sprigs (or pine needles or sprig)-perfect for adding the scent of a Christmas tree to the pot.
- Additional Simmer Pot Options: vanilla extract or pods, grapefruit, allspice berries, orange peel, lemons, or fresh ginger.
How to Make a Simmer Pot for Christmas
STEP 1: Fill a medium pot or saucepan with about 3 to 4 cups of water. Then add the orange slices, apple slices, and remaining ingredients to the pot.
STEP 2: On medium to high heat, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add water as needed, and enjoy the simmer pot for 2-3 days, or until scent fades.
Simmer Pot Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh oranges, apples, and cranberries for the best smell.
- Don’t Overboil: Keeping the pot on low heat will prevent the ingredients from burning and the water from evaporating quickly. A low simmer works best to release the aroma of the pot.
- Add Water Regularly: Check the pot every hour or two, and add extra water as needed.
- Reuse Your Mix: Simmer pot ingredients can often be reused for up to 2–3 days. Just refrigerate the mixture between uses and add fresh water when reheating.
- Safety First: Never leave your simmer pot unattended for long periods of time. Be sure to watch the water level so the ingredients don’t burn.
Christmas Simmer Pot Variations
- Use a Slow Cooker: If you need your stove top, you can also make this in a crock pot. Just add the ingredients with water, and keep it on low heat.
- Gift It: Layer the dry simmer pot ingredients in a small mason jar, tie it with festive ribbon, then add a gift tag. Include directions for simmering, and you have the perfect gift for teachers, neighbors, or friends.
- Experiment with scents by changing up the ingredients. Here are a few of my favorites: nutmeg for extra spice scent, add a tablespoon or two of hot cocoa or cocoa powder for an amazing chocolate smell. (Cocoa can leave a slight residue so be sure to clean your pot after using.) Add a few drops of vanilla, almond, or peppermint extract for unique scents.
FAQ’S
Yes! A day or two beforehand, prepare and store the ingredients in an airtight container and keep them refrigerated.
Just add fresh ingredients that have strong scents like cinnamon, cloves, or vanilla extract. You can also use a smaller pot for a more concentrated scent.
No. Do not consume simmer pot ingredients. It is meant to simmer in water for hours and then discarded.
More Holiday Recipes
Christmas Simmer Pot
Equipment
- Pot or Saucepan
Materials
- 1 large orange cut into slices
- 1 large apple sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tablespoon whole cloves
- 3 star anise
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 2 sprigs rosemary
Instructions
- Fill a medium pot or saucepan with about 3 to 4 cups of water. Then add the orange slices, apple slices, and remaining ingredients to the pot.
- On medium to high heat, bring the water to a boil, then reduce to a simmer. Add water as needed, and enjoy the simmer pot for 2-3 days, or until scent fades.
