10+ Simmer Pot Recipes to Freshen Up Your Home All Year Long

Simmer pot recipes are an easy, low-key way to make your place smell amazing with just a handful of simple ingredients. By gently heating water with spices, fruits, and herbs, you get natural scents—no sprays or candles needed.

You can enjoy lovely aromas that fill your space, and honestly, it feels a lot safer and more personal than lighting a bunch of candles.

You can tweak simmer pots for any season or mood. That’s part of the fun—sometimes you want something spicy, sometimes citrusy, and you don’t have to spend much to get it.

Ingredients

• Water
• Spices (cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice)
• Fruits (citrus slices, berries, apples)
• Fresh herbs (rosemary, thyme)

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 4 cups (1 liter) of water.
2. Add your chosen ingredients to the pot.
3. Bring to a boil, then reduce heat to low.
4. Let it simmer gently for several hours.
5. Add more water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.

1) Apple, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and Lipton tea bags simmer pot

You can make a cozy simmer pot with apples, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and Lipton tea bags. This blend gives your home that classic warm, spicy scent—honestly, it feels like autumn any time of year.

Start by slicing your apples. Toss them in a pot with cinnamon sticks and whole cloves.

Add the Lipton tea bags for a light tea aroma that mixes in with the spices. Fill the pot about three-quarters full with water.

Let it simmer on low. Keep an eye on the water so it doesn’t all boil away.

Ingredients

• 2 apples, sliced
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2-3 Lipton tea bags
• Water (enough to fill the pot ¾ full)

Cooking Instructions

1. Slice apples and place them in a pot.
2. Add cinnamon sticks, cloves, and tea bags.
3. Pour water until the pot is about ¾ full.
4. Heat on low and let it simmer gently.
5. Refill water as needed to keep it from drying out.

2) Lemon slices, fresh rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and vanilla extract simmer pot

Just a few ingredients can make your home smell fresh and welcoming. Start with lemon slices—the citrus scent is so clean.

Add fresh rosemary sprigs. Rosemary brings a herbal, calming aroma that works well with lemon.

Toss in cinnamon sticks for a warm, spicy edge. Finally, add a splash of vanilla extract for a soft, sweet finish.

Fill the pot with water and let it simmer on low. Keep an eye on the water level and top it up as needed.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, sliced
• 2 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Place lemon slices, rosemary, and cinnamon sticks in a small pot.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water.
3. Add vanilla extract.
4. Heat on low until it simmers gently.
5. Keep at a low simmer, adding water as needed to keep scents going.

3) Orange slices, cranberries, cinnamon, cloves, allspice, and pine simmer pot

This one’s a festive blend of fresh orange slices, cranberries, and warm spices. Cinnamon, cloves, and allspice give it that cozy, holiday vibe.

Add a few pine sprigs for a fresh, woodsy note. Place everything in a pot with water.

Let it simmer gently on your stove. Your kitchen will smell inviting and a bit nostalgic.

Ingredients:

• 1 orange, sliced
• ¼ cup fresh cranberries
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1-2 tablespoons whole cloves
• A few allspice berries
• 2-3 sprigs of pine

Cooking Instructions:

1. Put all ingredients in a medium pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water.
3. Heat on low until it gently simmers.
4. Let it simmer for 1-2 hours, adding water as needed to keep it from drying out.
5. Turn off the heat and enjoy the scent.

Find more details about this simmer pot here.

4) Peppercorns, fresh thyme, fresh rosemary, and citrus fruit simmer pot

If you’re craving a fresh, herbal scent with a citrusy twist, this one’s for you. Peppercorns add a subtle spicy note that balances with the brightness of citrus fruits.

Toss in sprigs of rosemary and thyme for an earthy, garden-fresh aroma. Slightly crush the peppercorns to get the most out of them.

Combine everything in a pot with water. Let it gently simmer on low heat.

Keep an eye on the water and top it up as needed. The scent lingers for hours, soft and natural.

Ingredients

• 1 tablespoon peppercorns (any color)
• 2-3 sprigs fresh thyme
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary
• 1-2 citrus fruits (orange, lemon, or lime), sliced
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Slightly crush the peppercorns.
2. Add peppercorns, thyme, rosemary, and citrus slices to a pot.
3. Fill pot with 4 cups of water.
4. Heat on low to a simmer (around 180°F / 82°C).
5. Let it simmer gently, topping up water as needed.
6. Enjoy the scent while it lasts.

5) Dried oranges, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves simmer pot

This one’s a classic for fall or winter. Dried orange slices give a bright citrus note, while apple slices add a sweet, mellow background.

Cinnamon sticks bring warmth. Cloves add a bold, spicy aroma that sticks around as you simmer.

Use dried oranges for a scent that lasts longer. Fresh apple slices work too, but swap them out if they get mushy.

Ingredients

• Dried orange slices
• Apple slices
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• Water

Cooking Instructions

1. Fill a pot with 4 cups of water.
2. Add dried orange slices, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, and cloves.
3. Bring to a simmer over medium heat on the stove.
4. Reduce to low and let it simmer gently.
5. Add more water as needed to keep ingredients covered.
6. Enjoy the steady aroma in your home.

If you want extra scent, try gently crushing the cinnamon sticks before tossing them in.

6) Lemon and orange peel with cinnamon and star anise simmer pot

This simmer pot brings together lemon and orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and star anise. The scent is bright, spicy, and a little bit sweet—honestly, it’s hard not to smile when you walk into the room.

Just add water and all the ingredients to a pot. Let it simmer on low heat to slowly release the aromas.

Keep it going by adding water when needed. You can always toss in extra spices if you’re feeling creative.

Ingredients

• Peels of 1 lemon
• Peels of 1 orange
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 2 star anise pods
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour water into a medium pot.
2. Add lemon and orange peels, cinnamon sticks, and star anise.
3. Bring to a boil over medium-high heat (212°F / 100°C).
4. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for at least 1 hour.
5. Add more water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.

7) Lavender, lemon slices, and vanilla simmer pot

This one’s all about a clean, calming scent. Lemon slices keep things bright.

Lavender brings a soft, floral vibe. Vanilla smooths everything out with a gentle, warm note.

You can simmer this on the stove or in a slow cooker. Keep the heat low so the scent spreads slowly without burning.

Ingredients

• 1 lemon, sliced
• A handful of fresh lavender sprigs
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract or 3-4 drops of vanilla oil
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions

1. Add water to a pot or slow cooker.
2. Place lemon slices and lavender sprigs in the water.
3. Stir in the vanilla.
4. Heat on low, keeping it simmering gently.
5. Check water level and add more if needed to prevent burning.

8) Creamsicle simmer pot with orange, vanilla, and cinnamon sticks

Make your home smell like a sweet treat with this Creamsicle simmer pot. Orange brings a fresh, tangy note.

Vanilla adds a creamy, dreamy layer. Cinnamon sticks round it out with a gentle spice.

This recipe is super simple and uses ingredients you probably have around. Simmer it gently on low heat—no need to rush.

You can play with the amounts to make the scent stronger or lighter. Just remember to keep the pot from drying out.

Ingredients:

• 2 to 3 orange slices
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cups water

Cooking Instructions:

1. Fill a pot with 4 cups of water.
2. Add orange slices, vanilla extract, and cinnamon sticks.
3. Heat on low, letting it simmer gently.
4. Add water as needed to keep the pot from drying out.
5. Enjoy the scent as it fills your home.

9) Fresh berries, citrus slices, and mint herb simmer pot

If you’re craving a fresh, light scent at home, this simmer pot’s a solid choice. Sweet berries, tangy citrus, and cool mint come together for something clean but still cozy.

Grab some strawberries or blueberries—honestly, whatever berries you’ve got will work. Slice up an orange, lemon, or even a lime, then toss those in too.

A few sprigs of mint go in last. The fruity and herbal combo just works, and it’s honestly kind of uplifting.

Set everything on low heat and let it simmer gently. That way, you get all those natural scents without scorching the herbs or drying out the fruit.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh berries (strawberries, blueberries, or mixed)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 lemon, sliced
• A handful of fresh mint sprigs
• 4 cups of water

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour the water into a medium pot.
2. Add the berries, citrus slices, and mint.
3. Bring it to a gentle simmer over low heat.
4. Let it go for 1-3 hours, topping up with more water if it gets low.
5. Turn off the heat when you’re done and just enjoy.

10) Spiced apple tea simmer pot with apple juice and cinnamon sticks

If you want your place to smell like fall, try this spiced apple tea simmer pot. Apple juice and cinnamon sticks fill the air with warmth, and it’s honestly hard not to smile.

Pour apple juice into a pot first. Drop in a couple of cinnamon sticks and a few whole cloves for a little extra kick.

If you’re in the mood for a stronger tea scent, toss in a couple tea bags. Keep the heat low and just let it go, adding water if things start looking low.

Ingredients

• 1 gallon apple juice
• 2-3 cinnamon sticks
• 2-3 whole cloves
• 2-3 tea bags (optional)
• Water as needed

Cooking Instructions

1. Pour apple juice into a medium pot.

2. Drop in the cinnamon sticks and cloves.

3. If you’re using tea bags, toss them into the pot too.

4. Set the heat to low and bring it to a gentle simmer, aiming for around 180°F (82°C).

5. Let it simmer quietly for 30 to 60 minutes. Add a splash of water now and then if it looks like it’s getting too thick.