If you love making your home feel warm, welcoming, and peaceful, but want to avoid synthetic fragrances, simmer pots are a great option!
Whether you’re craving cozy fall spice, bright citrus, calming florals, or fresh herbal blends, there’s a simmer pot recipe for every season and mood. This simmer pot recipe roundup brings together favorite classic blends, seasonal staples, and unique botanical combinations, all in one place.
Bookmark this list and come back to it whenever you want to refresh your home naturally.
How to Use a Simmer Pot
- Add all ingredients to a pot or saucepan.
- Cover with water.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce to a simmer.
- Let simmer uncovered for several hours, adding water as needed to prevent burning.
Note: Most of the ingredients can be substituted with their dried counterparts. For example, instead of fresh herbs, you can use dried. Instead of cinnamon sticks, you can use ground cinnamon. You can also use essential oils and extracts as substitutions- for example, if you don’t have any lavender, you can use a couple drops of lavender essential oil.
Important: Never leave a simmer pot unattended, and always keep water above the ingredients.
Want to Make Dehydrated Simmer Pot Kits to store, gift, or sell? Learn how here.
Natural Simmer Pot Recipes for All Seasons
Each recipe in this list can be made fresh or dehydrated, reused over multiple days, and composted when finished. Keep a few dried blends on hand so you can quickly scent your home without candles, plug-ins, or sprays.
You can also:
- Gift simmer pot jars or bags to friends and neighbors
- Store them for later
- Sell Simmer Pot Kits for homestead income
Cozy Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes
These blends are perfect for fall, winter, and the slower seasons when warmth and comfort matter most.
1. Forest Spice Simmer Pot
Inspired by the evergreen trees that are highlighted after the leaves fall, this blend features pine needles paired with warm spices and citrus. It’s perfect for winter evenings, quiet mornings, or creating a cabin-in-the-woods feeling indoors. You can also use cedar sprigs instead of or in addition to pine.
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- ½ orange- sliced
- 1/2 teaspoon whole cloves
- ¼ cup cranberries
- 1/4 cup evergreen trimmings
- Juniper Berries
2. Apple Cinnamon Simmer Pot
A timeless favorite that smells like a warm kitchen and fresh-baked goodness. Apples and cinnamon create an inviting aroma that works for everyday use throughout fall and winter.
- 1 apple- sliced
- ½ orange-sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean (optional)
3. Autumn Harvest Simmer Pot
This blend contains a sample of the goodness fall has to offer—apples, pumpkins, and spices. It’s ideal for cozy weekends, Thanksgiving prep, or rainy afternoons.
- 1 apple- sliced
- 1 orange- sliced
- ½ cup pumpkin- cubed
- ½ tsp whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1-2 sprigs sage
4. Gingerbread Simmer Pot
With ginger, cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, this simmer pot smells like holiday baking without turning on the oven. It’s a December favorite and perfect for Christmas gatherings.
- 3 ginger slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 TBSP whole cloves
- 1 tsp nutmeg
- ½ tsp allspice
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
5. Winter Roast Simmer Pot
This simple blend of coffee, vanilla, and cinnamon is bold and comforting—perfect for cold winter days when you want something richer and grounding.
- 1/4 cup coffee beans
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
- 2 cinnamon sticks
6. Christmas Spiced Mint Simmer Pot
Mint leaves, citrus, cranberries, and crushed peppermint candies make for a Christmas favorite!
- 1 orange- sliced
- ¼ cup cranberries
- ½ tsp whole cloves
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 1-2 TBSP dried mint (or a handful of fresh mint leaves)
7. Cranberry Citrus Simmer Pot
Tart cranberries and fresh citrus combine with gentle spice for a classic, clean, happy aroma that works beautifully during the holidays or any time you want a refreshing lift.
- 1 orange- sliced
- ½ grapefruit- sliced
- ¼ cup cranberries
- ½ TBSP whole cloves
- 2 cinnamon sticks
Bright & Citrus-Based Simmer Pots
These recipes are uplifting, fresh, and ideal for mornings, cleaning days, or spring and summer use.
8. Lavender Citrus Simmer Pot
This blend balances calming lavender with bright citrus for a scent that’s both soothing and energizing. It’s perfect for springtime, self-care days, or freshening the home after winter.
- A handful of fresh sprigs lavender or 1-2 TBSP dried lavender
- 1 Lemon- sliced
- 1 lime- sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
9. Lemon Berry Simmer Pot
Lemon paired with fresh or dried berries creates a soft, cheerful aroma that feels like early summer. This is a great option for daytime simmering.
- 2 lemons- sliced
- ½ cup Mixed berries
- 1-2 mint sprigs
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
10. Herbal Grapefruit Simmer Pot
Grapefruit brings a slightly bitter brightness that pairs beautifully with herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- 1 grapefruit- sliced
- 2-3 sprigs rosemary
- 1 lemon- sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
11. Citrus Mint Simmer Pot
Cool mint and bright citrus make this blend perfect for clearing the air and refreshing your space—especially after cooking or during warmer months.
- 1-2 lemons- sliced
- 1 orange- sliced
- 2-3 sprigs mint
- 1 tsp vanilla or 1 vanilla bean
Floral & Calming Simmer Pot Blends
These recipes are gentle, soothing, and ideal for evenings, rest days, or creating a peaceful home environment throughout any season.
12. Spiced Lavender Simmer Pot
Lavender paired with cinnamon or cloves adds depth and coziness, making this blend perfect for winding down in the evenings.
- 1 TBSP dried lavender or 1-2 sprigs
- 1 cinnamon stick
- 2 tsp whole cloves
- 1 lemon- sliced
13. Chamomile Vanilla Simmer Pot
Chamomile flowers and vanilla create a calming aroma that’s ideal for bedtime routines, quiet afternoons, or stress-filled days.
- 1 lemon- sliced
- A handful of chamomile flower buds
- 3 springs of rosemary
- 1 TBSP Vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
14. Vanilla Rose Simmer Pot
With dried rose petals and vanilla, this blend feels romantic and soft without being overpowering. Perfect for self-care moments or special occasions (the BEST Valentine’s Day simmer pot!).
- ½ cup dried rose petals (or a handful of fresh)
- 2-3 drops rose essential oil (optional)
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
Fresh Herbal Blends
If you love clean, green scents that feel natural and grounding, these blends are for you.
15. Herb Garden Simmer Pot
Toss a bit of everything from the herb garden in this one!
- 2 sprigs Rosemary
- 2 sprigs Mint
- A handful of Basil leaves
- 2 sprigs Thyme
- 1 Lemon- sliced
16. Lavender Citrus Mint Simmer Pot
A layered blend that combines floral, citrus, and herbal notes for a well-balanced aroma. Great for open windows and spring cleaning days.
- 1 lemon- sliced
- 1 lime- sliced
- ½ orange- sliced
- 2-3 sprigs lavender
- 1-2 sprigs mint
Tropical & Fruity Simmer Pots
These blends bring sunshine indoors and are perfect for summertime or winter days when you’re craving warmer weather.
17. Coconut Lime Simmer Pot
Coconut flakes and lime create a light tropical aroma that feels like a getaway in a pot.
- 2 limes- sliced
- ½ cup Coconut Flakes or chunks
- 1 TBSP coconut extract
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
18. Ginger Peach Simmer Pot
Juicy peaches and fresh ginger create a comforting and lively blend that works well in late summer and early fall.
- 2 peaches- sliced
- 1 knob of fresh ginger- sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract or 1 vanilla bean
19. Peppermint Lime Simmer Pot
This blend is crisp and invigorating—perfect for hot days, post-cleaning refreshes, or when you want something energizing but natural.
- 3 limes- sliced
- A handful of mint
- 4 sprigs thyme
- 3-4 ginger slices
Pin this post for later!
