20+ Simmer Pot Recipes for Beginners

The holidays are a magical time filled with warmth, family, and delicious smells that make your home feel cozy. One of my favorite ways to make the house smell like the holidays is with Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes.

These simmer pots are easy to make, fill your home with festive aromas, and create a comforting, happy mood.

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160 cozy simmer pot recipes to make your home smell amazing — perfect for holidays, self-care days, and everyday freshness!

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From spicy cinnamon and orange scents to fruity cranberry blends, each simmer pot (affiliate link) has its own charm.

If you think simmer pots are complicated, don’t worry – it’s actually quite the opposite!

With just a few simple ingredients and a little time on the stove, you can make your home smell amazing.

In this guide, I will share my favorite holiday simmer pot recipes, including citrus, spices, herbs, and even sweet vanilla blends. Let’s make your holidays smell magical!

1. Drinkable Simmer Pot Recipe

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 30-60 minutes
Total Time: 35-65 minutes
Serves: 1-2 small pots (depending on size)

This drinkable simmer pot is one of my all-time favorites. I love it because it not only fills my home with a cozy, holiday scent, but I can also enjoy it as a warm, comforting drink. The combination of cinnamon, orange, and cloves creates a sweet and spicy aroma that instantly makes me feel relaxed and happy. It’s simple to make and perfect for chilly mornings when I want my kitchen to smell festive and inviting.

Ingredients:

• 2 cups water
• 1 cinnamon stick
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a small saucepan.
2. Add the cinnamon stick, orange slices, and cloves.
3. Heat over low heat until it starts to simmer gently.
4. Add vanilla extract after removing from heat, if desired.
5. Let the mixture simmer for 30-60 minutes. Add more water if needed.
6. Enjoy the fragrance and warmth in your home or sip it as a cozy drink.

2. Cranberry Orange Spice

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Cranberry Orange Spice is perfect for a festive holiday aroma. I love it because the tartness of fresh cranberries blends beautifully with sweet orange slices and warm spices. When I simmer this pot, my kitchen instantly smells like a holiday market full of cheerful scents. It’s simple to make, but the fragrance is rich and inviting. I often place it near the living room so everyone can enjoy the festive smell as they decorate the house. It’s a joyful, welcoming scent that feels like holiday magic and makes the whole home feel cozy and festive.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole allspice

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and allspice.
3. Bring to a gentle simmer over low heat.
4. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes. Add more water if it reduces too much.
5. Your home will smell like a festive winter wonderland filled with sweet and tangy aromas.

3. Gingerbread Simmer Pot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Gingerbread Simmer Pot is one of my holiday favorites because it smells just like freshly baked gingerbread cookies. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, and cloves fills my home with a sweet and spicy aroma that instantly makes me feel festive. I love setting this pot on the stove while decorating the tree or wrapping gifts. The smell is comforting and cheerful, creating a cozy holiday atmosphere that my whole family enjoys. Even friends who visit always comment on how wonderful the house smells!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon ground ginger
• 4 whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add molasses, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, and cloves.
3. Heat over low heat until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes, adding water if it reduces too much.
5. Enjoy the warm, festive scent that makes your home feel cozy and welcoming.

4. Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot is perfect for autumn and early holiday celebrations. I love this pot because the warm pumpkin scent mixed with cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves smells just like pumpkin pie. It’s simple to make and fills my house with a comforting aroma that everyone loves. Sometimes I simmer it while reading a book or enjoying a warm drink, and it instantly makes me feel cozy and happy. The scent is rich, inviting, and makes my home smell like a holiday bakery.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup pumpkin puree
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon nutmeg
• 4 whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add pumpkin puree, cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer gently.
4. Let simmer for 40-50 minutes, checking water levels and adding more if needed.
5. Enjoy the warm, sweet, and spicy scent that fills your home with holiday cheer.

5. Citrus & Rosemary Holiday Blend

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45 minutes
Total Time: 50 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Citrus & Rosemary Holiday Blend is one of my favorite fresh-smelling simmer pots. The combination of bright orange, lemon, and fresh rosemary makes the air smell clean and festive. I love using this one in the kitchen or living room—it feels refreshing and warm at the same time. The citrus adds a cheerful scent, while rosemary gives a subtle herbal note that balances the sweetness. It’s simple to make, and the aroma instantly brightens my home and lifts my spirits during the busy holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 cinnamon sticks

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add orange slices, lemon slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks.
3. Heat over low heat until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45 minutes, topping up water as needed.
5. Enjoy the fresh, festive aroma that makes your home feel bright and cheerful.

6. Maple & Brown Sugar Aroma

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Maple & Brown Sugar Aroma is like a sweet, cozy hug in a pot. I love it because the combination of maple syrup and brown sugar smells just like baked treats fresh from the oven. It’s perfect for mornings or evenings when I want my home to feel warm and inviting. I often simmer this while enjoying a cup of tea, and it instantly creates a holiday mood. The scent is rich, comforting, and brings a festive feeling that everyone in the house enjoys.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 tablespoons maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons brown sugar
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3 whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add maple syrup, brown sugar, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 40-50 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the sweet, comforting aroma that fills your home with holiday cheer.

7. Mulled Wine Inspired Simmer Pot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 50-60 minutes
Total Time: 55-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Mulled Wine Inspired Simmer Pot smells just like a cozy holiday evening. I love this one because the combination of red wine, oranges, and spices fills my home with a festive, warm aroma. Even though it’s alcohol-inspired, it’s completely safe for everyone to enjoy as a simmer pot. I like to make this during parties or while relaxing by the fireplace. The fragrance is rich, spiced, and welcoming, creating a joyful holiday atmosphere that instantly makes me feel festive and cozy.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup red grape juice
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon allspice

Instructions:

1. Pour water and grape juice into a medium saucepan.
2. Add orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and allspice.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 50-60 minutes, topping up with water if needed.
5. Enjoy the warm, spiced aroma that fills your home with holiday cheer.

8. Pine & Evergreen Festive Pot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Pine & Evergreen Festive Pot brings the outdoors inside! I love this simmer pot because it smells like a fresh Christmas tree mixed with spices. The scent is refreshing, earthy, and perfect for the holidays. I often place it near my living room while decorating the tree. It makes the whole house smell like a winter forest, and the aroma is so comforting and natural. This is a great choice if you want a festive scent without the sweetness of fruits or sugar.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 sprigs fresh pine or rosemary
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1/2 teaspoon allspice
• 1 orange, sliced

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add pine sprigs, cloves, allspice, and orange slices.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the fresh, earthy, and festive aroma filling your home.

9. Apple Cider & Star Anise

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Apple Cider & Star Anise is one of my favorites for a sweet, spicy aroma. I love it because the apple cider gives a warm, fruity base while the star anise adds a hint of exotic spice. It smells like a cozy holiday gathering and makes my kitchen feel cheerful and inviting. I often make this simmer pot in the morning while preparing breakfast—it fills the home with a festive fragrance that lifts my mood and creates a holiday atmosphere.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 cup apple cider
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 apple, sliced

Instructions:

1. Pour water and apple cider into a medium saucepan.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, star anise, and apple slices.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-50 minutes, topping up water as needed.
5. Enjoy the sweet and spicy aroma that makes your home cozy and festive.

10. Peppermint & Eucalyptus

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 35-50 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Peppermint & Eucalyptus is refreshing and festive. I love using this simmer pot because the peppermint gives a sweet, cool scent while eucalyptus adds a calming, herbal aroma. It’s perfect for creating a clean, cheerful holiday environment. I often make this one in my living room or bathroom—it instantly freshens the air and brings a festive feeling. The combination of sweet and herbal scents makes it unique and uplifting. Everyone who enters the room comments on how fresh and lovely it smells!

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1/2 cup fresh peppermint leaves or 2-3 peppermint tea bags
• 2 sprigs fresh eucalyptus
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add peppermint, eucalyptus, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 30-45 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the fresh, minty aroma filling your home with holiday cheer.

11. Orange, Cranberry & Cinnamon Stick

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Orange, Cranberry & Cinnamon Stick is a bright, cheerful simmer pot. I love this one because the orange adds sweetness, cranberries give a tangy note, and cinnamon brings warmth. When I simmer this pot, it makes my kitchen smell like a festive holiday market. I often make it while baking or wrapping gifts—the aroma lifts my mood and makes the home feel cozy and welcoming. It’s simple, fragrant, and perfect for any holiday gathering.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes, topping up water if needed.
5. Enjoy the cheerful, sweet-spicy aroma filling your home.

12. Clove & Nutmeg Holiday Blend

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Clove & Nutmeg Holiday Blend is one of my favorite pots because it smells spicy and sweet at the same time. I love using this simmer pot when I want my home to feel extra cozy and festive. The combination of cloves and nutmeg instantly creates a holiday atmosphere that reminds me of gingerbread cookies and warm desserts. I often simmer it in the evening while reading or enjoying a hot drink. The rich, warm aroma fills every corner of my home, making it feel inviting and cheerful.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 orange, sliced

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, nutmeg, and orange slices.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-50 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the warm, spicy, and sweet aroma filling your home.

13. Holiday Spice & Pine Simmer Pot

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Holiday Spice & Pine Simmer Pot smells like a fresh Christmas tree with a hint of warm holiday spices. I love this one because it combines pine needles with cinnamon, cloves, and orange slices, creating a natural yet festive scent. When I simmer this pot, the aroma instantly fills my home with holiday cheer. It’s simple to make but has a sophisticated fragrance that guests often comment on. I especially enjoy this one during holiday gatherings, as it makes the house smell welcoming, festive, and cozy for everyone.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 sprigs fresh pine or rosemary
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add pine, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes, adding water if needed.
5. Enjoy the natural, festive aroma filling your home.

14. Warm Vanilla & Cinnamon Stick

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 30-45 minutes
Total Time: 35-50 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Warm Vanilla & Cinnamon Stick is a comforting, sweet-smelling simmer pot that instantly makes my home feel cozy. I love it because the vanilla adds a smooth, rich aroma while cinnamon brings warmth and spice. It’s perfect for chilly mornings or evenings when I want a relaxing atmosphere. I often simmer this while enjoying a cup of tea or reading a book. The gentle, sweet fragrance makes the house feel welcoming, and it’s simple to make without needing many ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 vanilla bean, split
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add vanilla bean, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 30-45 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the warm, sweet aroma filling your home.

15. Cranberry, Apple & Clove

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-60 minutes
Total Time: 50-65 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Cranberry, Apple & Clove is a fruity, spicy simmer pot that makes my kitchen smell like a holiday bakery. I love it because the apples add a sweet base, cranberries give a tangy twist, and cloves bring warm spice. I often make this one while preparing holiday meals or decorating the house. The aroma instantly makes my home feel festive, cozy, and inviting. It’s simple, cheerful, and perfect for creating a happy holiday atmosphere that everyone can enjoy.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 apple, sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add apple slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-60 minutes, topping up water if needed.
5. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and spicy aroma filling your home.

16. Lemon, Rosemary & Thyme

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Lemon, Rosemary & Thyme is a fresh, herbal simmer pot that makes my home smell clean and festive. I love it because the lemon gives a bright, cheerful scent while rosemary and thyme add an earthy, calming aroma. It’s perfect for holiday mornings or when I want a refreshing atmosphere. I often place it in the kitchen or living room, and it fills the home with a subtle, elegant fragrance. This simmer pot is simple, unique, and brings a sense of peace and warmth during the busy holidays.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 sprigs fresh rosemary
• 2 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add lemon slices, rosemary, thyme, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 40-50 minutes, topping up water as needed.
5. Enjoy the fresh, herbal, and festive aroma filling your home.

17. Cinnamon Stick & Orange Peel

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 40-50 minutes
Total Time: 45-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Cinnamon Stick & Orange Peel is one of my favorites for a bright and spicy holiday scent. I love how the sweet orange aroma blends with the warm spice of cinnamon. It instantly makes my home feel cozy, festive, and welcoming. I often make this simmer pot while baking cookies or wrapping gifts—it fills every room with a cheerful holiday fragrance. The combination is simple, yet the aroma is rich and comforting, creating a happy and inviting atmosphere for family and friends.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• Peel of 1 orange
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, orange peel, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 40-50 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the sweet, warm aroma filling your home.

18. Ginger & Lemon Zest

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 35-45 minutes
Total Time: 40-50 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Ginger & Lemon Zest is refreshing, spicy, and perfect for the holidays. I love it because the ginger adds warmth and spice while the lemon zest brings a bright, cheerful scent. It’s a simple simmer pot, but it fills the home with a lively and festive aroma. I often make this while preparing holiday meals or relaxing in the evening. The combination of spicy and citrus scents instantly lifts my spirits and makes the home feel joyful, cozy, and inviting.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, sliced
• Zest of 1 lemon
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add ginger slices, lemon zest, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 35-45 minutes, adding water if needed.
5. Enjoy the bright, spicy aroma filling your home with holiday cheer.

19. Spiced Pear & Cranberry

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-55 minutes
Total Time: 50-60 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Spiced Pear & Cranberry is a sweet and tangy holiday favorite. I love it because the juicy pears give a natural sweetness while the cranberries add a festive tartness. The warm spices like cinnamon and cloves create a comforting aroma that fills the home instantly. I often make this one during family gatherings—it smells like a holiday dessert baking in the oven. The aroma is rich, cheerful, and perfect for creating a warm, inviting, and festive atmosphere for everyone.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 pear, sliced
• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add pear slices, cranberries, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-55 minutes, topping up water as needed.
5. Enjoy the sweet, tangy, and spicy aroma filling your home.

20. Winter Wonderland Citrus Mix

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Simmer Time: 45-50 minutes
Total Time: 50-55 minutes
Serves: 1 medium simmer pot

Winter Wonderland Citrus Mix is bright, fresh, and perfect for a holiday home. I love it because the mix of oranges, lemons, and limes creates a cheerful aroma, while cinnamon and cloves add a warm holiday touch. I often simmer this while decorating or enjoying a cozy evening at home. The scent instantly makes the house feel festive, welcoming, and lively. It’s simple to make but fills every corner with the fresh, sweet, and warm aromas of the holiday season.

Ingredients:

• 4 cups water
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves

Instructions:

1. Pour water into a medium saucepan.
2. Add orange, lemon, lime slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Heat over low until it begins to simmer.
4. Let simmer for 45-50 minutes, adding water as needed.
5. Enjoy the fresh, sweet, and warm aroma filling your home.