Can you smell that? The rich aroma of cinnamon and orange peel floats through a warm house on a cold day.
Most people think amazing home scents come from expensive candles or plug-ins. They don’t. The secret weapon for a cozy home is sitting in your kitchen right now: a simple pot of water.
Winter can feel dreary. Gray skies and cold winds make us want to stay inside, but stuffy homes with stale air don’t feel welcoming. That’s the problem simmer pots solve.
I’ve tested dozens of combinations over the years. Some worked magic, others fell flat. Now will share only the blends that convert a house into a haven, no fancy equipment needed, just water and things you probably already have.
What is a Winter Simmer Pot?
A winter simmer pot is a simple, natural way to make your home smell warm and cozy during the colder months.
Winter simmer pots are popular because they use real, natural ingredients instead of chemicals. They make your home smell festive, with woodsy and spicy aromas that remind you of the season.
Simmer pots also add moisture to the dry winter air, helping to keep it comfortable.
To make one, just add your chosen ingredients to a pot of water, bring it to a boil, then lower the heat and let it simmer.
Keep adding water as needed so it doesn’t dry out. Enjoy the cozy winter smell!
Common Variations for Winter Simmer Pots
Winter simmer pots are a natural way to fill your home with cozy, festive scents using simple ingredients. Here are the most common and effective ingredients you can use:
| Category | Ingredients |
|---|---|
| Fruits | Orange slices or peels, Lemon slices or peels, Apple slices or peels, Pear slices, Pomegranate seeds, Pineapple chunks, Fresh or dried cranberries |
| Spices | Cinnamon sticks, Whole cloves, Star anise, Nutmeg (whole or ground), Allspice berries, Cardamom pods |
| Herbs & Greens | Fresh rosemary sprigs, Thyme sprigs, Sage leaves, Bay leaves, Fresh mint leaves |
| Evergreens | Pine needles or sprigs, Cedar tips, Spruce or fir tips, Juniper berries or branches, Hemlock needles (not poison hemlock) |
| Other Aromatics | Vanilla extract or vanilla bean, Ginger slices, Brown sugar or caramel extract, Eucalyptus leaves |
Tips:
- Mix and match ingredients based on what you have and your favorite scents.
- Always add enough water to cover the ingredients and refill as needed while simmering.
- Simmer on low heat and never leave unattended.
These ingredients will create a warm, inviting aroma perfect for winter days and holiday gatherings.
How to Make Your Cozy Winter Simmer Pot (Step-by-Step)
Learn how to make a cozy winter simmer pot with simple, natural ingredients like citrus, spices, and herbs. Follow this easy step-by-step guide to fill your home with festive, comforting aromas all season long.
Step 1. Gather Your Ingredients
Start by collecting all your ingredients. For this winter simmer pot, we’ll use:
- Ends of oranges (the parts you typically throw away)
- A couple of cinnamon sticks
- Star anise
- Allspice
- Whole cloves
- Optional: A dried orange that’s been sitting in the fridge for a while (don’t worry, it’ll still work wonderfully!)
- Hot water (to get things simmering faster)
When I gather ingredients, I like to peek into my fridge and pantry for anything that’s a bit past its prime- old citrus, apple peels, or leftover herbs all work beautifully and help reduce waste.
Step 2. Prepare the Ingredients
If you have dried orange slices in your fridge, now’s the time to use them. Break larger pieces into smaller ones to release more aroma.
Personal Touch Tip: I like to slice or break up larger pieces, especially if there are kids around—it makes the process more fun and special.
Step 3. Use Your Favorite Spices
Now, add your spices to the mix! You can adjust the amounts to suit your personal preference, but I recommend a couple of cinnamon sticks, a few star anise pods, some allspice, and whole cloves.
These spices will give your home that wonderful holiday fragrance.
Step 4. Add Water
Next, pour in hot water over the ingredients. I like to start with hot water to get the simmering process going quicker. Fill the crockpot or saucepan about 3/4 full with water.
My Top Tip: I use hot water from my kettle to speed things up. If I want the scent to last longer, I’ll check the pot every hour and top it up with more water as needed.
Step 5. Set Up Your Crockpot or Stove
If you’re using a crockpot, simply set it to low and let it simmer. If you don’t have a crockpot, use a small saucepan on the stove on low heat.
With the saucepan method, check the water level every hour or two to ensure it hasn’t evaporated too much and top it up as needed.
Step 6. Enjoy the Aroma
As it simmers, your home will begin to fill with the most comforting winter fragrance.
Take a moment to enjoy the aroma—there’s nothing like the cozy scent of spices and citrus in the air. The longer it simmers, the stronger the scent!
For More Detailed Instructions:
Benefits of Using a Winter Simmer Pot
Winter simmer pots are a simple and natural way to make your home feel cozy. Here are some great benefits:
- Natural Ingredients: Winter simmer pots use real fruits, herbs, and spices, which means no chemicals or artificial scents. This is a healthier option for your home.
- Great Smells: They fill your home with warm, festive scents like cinnamon, cloves, and oranges. The smell can instantly make your space feel more inviting and cozy.
- Adds Moisture to the Air: The steam from the simmer pot adds moisture to the dry winter air, which can help prevent dry skin and improve breathing.
- Customizable: You can create your own perfect scent by adding your favorite fruits, herbs, and spices. Whether you like sweet, spicy, or woodsy aromas, a simmer pot can be customized to match your preferences.
- Creates a Cozy Atmosphere: The smell of a simmer pot creates a relaxing and comforting environment, perfect for winter nights spent indoors.
By using a winter simmer pot, you can enjoy a natural fragrance, improve your home’s air quality, and create a warm, inviting atmosphere.
How to Make Your Simmer Pot Last Longer
Most simmer pots can last for a few hours at a time. You need to watch the water level so it doesn’t dry out. With the right care, you can reuse your simmer pot for several days:
- With fruit ingredients: 1-3 days
- Without fruit: up to 4 days
- Store-bought dried potpourri: several months
Store in the Fridge:
Turn off the heat and let your simmer pot cool. Cover it with a lid and refrigerate overnight to keep it fresh. Before reusing, take it out an hour beforehand, let it come to room temperature, then heat it up again.
Add Water Regularly:
Keep an eye on the water level and add more as it evaporates. This prevents burning, enhances the scent, and extends the life of your simmer pot.
Choose Long-Lasting Ingredients:
Some ingredients last longer than others in a simmer pot:
| Good Choices for Longer-Lasting Scents | Ingredients That Don’t Last As Long |
|---|---|
| Cinnamon sticks | Fresh fruit slices |
| Whole cloves | Fresh herbs |
| Dried herbs like rosemary | Flower petals |
| Citrus peels | |
| Vanilla extract | |
| Whole spices |
The Bottom Line
Making winter simmer pots brings comfort to the home with little effort. The simple mix of fruits, spices, and water creates an inviting atmosphere that welcomes both family and guests.
The smell of the home has a significant impact on mood and memories. A good simmer pot can turn an ordinary day into a special one.
Ready to try it? Start with one recipe this week and notice how it changes your space and mood.
Share your favorite combinations in the comments below – I’d love to hear what works in your home!
