45+ Easy Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes for Every Gathering

The holiday season is full of festive moments, but one of the most delightful ways to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere at home is through the power of scent.

A simmer pot, which involves simmering aromatic ingredients like fruits, spices, and herbs in water, is an easy and natural way to fill your home with the comforting, nostalgic smells of the season.

From cinnamon and cloves to citrus and pine, simmer pots capture the very essence of the holidays and provide a cozy, inviting environment for you and your guests.

In this blog, we’ve gathered over 45+ holiday simmer pot recipes that will transform your home into a haven of warmth and joy.

Whether you’re preparing for a festive dinner, looking for a way to unwind after a busy day, or just want to set the mood with holiday scents, these recipes will provide the perfect solution.

You’ll find everything from classic Christmas aromas to unique, seasonal scents that will make your home feel even more festive.

45+ Easy Holiday Simmer Pot Recipes for Every Gathering

Simmer pots are an effortless way to bring the sights and smells of the holiday season into your home.

With over 45+ different recipes to choose from, there’s no shortage of ways to fill your space with festive fragrances.

Whether you prefer the spicy warmth of cinnamon and clove or the refreshing brightness of citrus and pine, these simmer pot recipes will help create a cozy, inviting atmosphere for family gatherings, holiday parties, or a quiet, peaceful night in.

So go ahead, gather your ingredients, simmer your favorite combination, and let the holiday magic unfold in the air.

Your home will be filled with the comforting scent of the season in no time!

Classic Cinnamon Apple Holiday Simmer Pot

This simmer pot recipe captures the essence of the holiday season with a sweet, warm fragrance that fills your home. With the comforting scent of apples, cinnamon, and a touch of citrus, it creates a cozy atmosphere perfect for family gatherings or quiet evenings. It’s an easy, natural way to make your home smell festive without any artificial air fresheners.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon nutmeg
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, add the sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, whole cloves, and nutmeg.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water, ensuring that the ingredients are well submerged.
3. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
4. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low and let the pot simmer for 2-3 hours, occasionally adding more water to keep the ingredients submerged.
5. As the simmering continues, the fragrance will begin to fill the room, bringing a festive and comforting scent throughout your home.

This cinnamon apple holiday simmer pot is an incredibly simple yet effective way to make your home smell like the holidays. The combination of apples, cinnamon, and citrus creates a timeless fragrance that brings a sense of warmth and nostalgia. It’s perfect for setting the mood for holiday parties, cozying up with a good book, or simply enjoying the season’s spirit. Plus, it’s completely natural, making it a safe and eco-friendly choice for your home.

Festive Cranberry Spice Holiday Simmer Pot

For a more tart and spicy holiday aroma, this cranberry spice simmer pot recipe offers a refreshing yet cozy scent that embodies the season. The blend of fresh cranberries, orange, and aromatic spices like cinnamon and clove fills your space with the essence of winter holidays. It’s a vibrant and invigorating simmer pot that will elevate the festive ambiance of any room.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 1 orange, sliced
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 3-4 whole cloves
• 2 star anise
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add the fresh cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and star anise to a medium pot.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to add more water if needed.
4. As the simmer pot heats up, gently mash the cranberries with a spoon to release more of their fragrance.
5. The mixture will slowly turn into a warm, fragrant aroma that fills the air with holiday cheer.

This festive cranberry spice simmer pot is perfect for anyone who enjoys a bold, spicy fragrance. The tartness of the cranberries paired with the warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and star anise makes for a uniquely aromatic experience that captures the spirit of the holidays. Whether you’re preparing for a holiday gathering or simply want to create a cozy, festive atmosphere, this simmer pot recipe is sure to do the trick. The natural ingredients offer a healthier and more eco-conscious way to scent your home this season.

Gingerbread Holiday Simmer Pot

The smell of freshly baked gingerbread cookies is one of the most beloved scents of the holiday season. This gingerbread simmer pot recipe brings that same cozy, sweet scent into your home. The combination of ginger, molasses, cinnamon, and cloves makes this simmer pot ideal for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during the winter months.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground cloves
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 1 vanilla bean (or 2 teaspoons vanilla extract)
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Add the ground ginger, cinnamon, cloves, molasses, and vanilla bean (or extract) to a medium pot.
2. Add the sliced orange and pour in 4 cups of water.
3. Stir the mixture together and bring it to a boil over medium heat.
4. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Add more water as necessary to maintain a simmer.
5. Stir occasionally to mix the ingredients and enhance the fragrance.
6. The scent will gradually fill your home, evoking the warmth and sweetness of a gingerbread house.

This gingerbread holiday simmer pot is a delightful recipe that will transport you straight to a cozy winter bakery. With its sweet and spicy aromas, it’s perfect for setting the mood during holiday parties, family gatherings, or peaceful evenings by the fire. The natural scents of ginger, molasses, and cinnamon combine to create a welcoming atmosphere that feels just like home. Plus, it’s a wonderful way to enjoy the fragrance of baked goods without the time and mess of actually baking.

Spiced Pineapple Winter Simmer Pot

This tropical-inspired simmer pot brings a surprising twist to your traditional holiday scents. The sweetness of pineapple, combined with warm spices like cinnamon, cloves, and a hint of ginger, creates an inviting and exotic aroma. It’s perfect for those who want a unique fragrance in their home during the winter months while still maintaining that festive, cozy atmosphere.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh pineapple chunks
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 4-5 whole cloves
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the fresh pineapple chunks, cinnamon sticks, ground ginger, whole cloves, and lemon slices in a medium pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.
3. Once simmering, reduce the heat to low, allowing the pot to gently bubble for 2-3 hours. Keep an eye on the water level and add more if it begins to evaporate too much.
4. Stir occasionally to release the scents from the pineapple and spices.
5. The tropical and spiced aroma will slowly fill the room, offering a refreshing holiday fragrance.

This spiced pineapple simmer pot is an unexpected yet delightful way to bring a fresh, vibrant scent into your home during the winter season. The tropical sweetness of pineapple, combined with warm spices like cinnamon and ginger, creates a unique aroma that’s both festive and energizing. It’s perfect for a holiday gathering or simply for filling your home with a sweet, spicy fragrance that’s sure to brighten any chilly day. This simmer pot is an excellent option for those looking for something different, while still keeping the essence of the holidays intact.

Winter Wonderland Simmer Pot

Inspired by a snowy winter day, this simmer pot recipe brings the crisp, clean scent of pine, mint, and citrus into your home. It’s a refreshing combination that evokes the feeling of a winter wonderland, with the cool, invigorating fragrance of pine trees mingling with the brightness of citrus and the freshness of mint. Perfect for those who love the outdoors and want to bring that feeling inside.

Ingredients:

• 1 sprig fresh pine (or pine needles)
• 1 handful fresh mint leaves
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 lime, sliced
• 3-4 cinnamon sticks
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the fresh pine sprig, mint leaves, lemon and lime slices, and cinnamon sticks into a medium pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let the ingredients simmer for 2-3 hours. Add more water as necessary to maintain the simmering effect.
4. Stir occasionally, releasing the fresh pine and mint aromas.
5. The mixture will slowly fill your home with a crisp, fresh, and energizing scent reminiscent of a wintry forest.

This Winter Wonderland simmer pot recipe is the perfect way to bring the outdoors in during the holiday season. The pine and mint offer a refreshing, crisp aroma that pairs beautifully with the citrus slices and the warmth of cinnamon. It’s ideal for creating a festive and invigorating atmosphere in your home, making it feel like a snowy escape in the midst of winter. Whether you’re hosting guests or simply enjoying a quiet evening, this simmer pot will enhance the ambiance and leave your space smelling like a winter paradise.

Mulling Spice Cider Simmer Pot

If you love the smell of mulled cider but don’t have the time to make it, this simmer pot recipe is the perfect shortcut. It combines all the familiar spices of mulled cider—cinnamon, cloves, nutmeg, and orange—with the warmth of apple and a hint of vanilla. This simmer pot will make your home smell just like a cozy holiday gathering, filled with the scent of spiced cider without the need to heat up the stove.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the sliced apples, cinnamon sticks, orange slices, whole cloves, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract into a medium pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a gentle boil over medium heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours, occasionally checking to add more water if necessary.
4. Stir the mixture occasionally to help release the spices’ full aroma.
5. The sweet and spiced fragrance will fill your home, creating the perfect atmosphere for holiday relaxation.

This Mulling Spice Cider simmer pot is a simple yet effective way to bring the classic holiday scent of mulled cider into your home without any of the fuss. The blend of apples, cinnamon, cloves, and orange brings the spirit of the holidays into your space, making it feel like you’ve been baking a delicious pot of mulled cider all day. It’s ideal for creating a warm, welcoming environment that invites relaxation and festive cheer. Whether you’re preparing for a celebration or just want to enjoy the season, this simmer pot is a perfect holiday touch.

Warm Holiday Spice Simmer Pot

This simmer pot recipe is a perfect blend of rich, warm spices that will fill your home with a cozy, festive scent. The deep fragrance of cinnamon, cloves, and cardamom creates a comforting atmosphere, while a touch of vanilla and orange adds a sweet and zesty note. It’s like a holiday spice market in a pot, and it’s perfect for anyone who enjoys a bold, spicy fragrance.

Ingredients:

• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 2 cardamom pods
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 1 orange, sliced
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, cardamom pods, vanilla extract, and orange slices.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours, adding water as needed to maintain the simmering effect.
4. Stir occasionally, releasing the bold spice and citrus notes into the air.
5. The scent will gradually fill your home with an inviting, warm holiday aroma that’s perfect for entertaining or relaxing.

This warm holiday spice simmer pot is an ideal way to create a fragrant holiday atmosphere with minimal effort. The blend of cinnamon, cloves, cardamom, and orange creates a rich, spicy aroma that fills your home with the warmth of the season. It’s a perfect addition to any holiday gathering or for a relaxing day at home. The natural ingredients make it an eco-friendly alternative to artificial air fresheners, and the fragrance lingers, making your home feel festive for hours.

Cozy Winter Citrus and Spice Simmer Pot

This citrus and spice simmer pot recipe is a fresh, vibrant twist on holiday fragrances. The bright, zesty scents of lemon and orange combine beautifully with the spicy warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and nutmeg. It’s a wonderful way to brighten up a cold winter day and bring the festive spirit into your home with just a few simple ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 1 lemon, sliced
• 1 orange, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the lemon and orange slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and ground nutmeg into a medium-sized pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours. Add more water if needed to keep the ingredients covered.
4. Stir occasionally, allowing the citrus and spice to release their aromas into the air.
5. The refreshing citrus scent will mix with the warmth of the spices, filling your home with a cozy yet invigorating holiday fragrance.

This cozy winter citrus and spice simmer pot is perfect for anyone who loves the bright, cheerful scents of citrus paired with the comforting warmth of holiday spices. The combination of lemon, orange, and cinnamon creates a fresh yet cozy fragrance that enhances the ambiance of any room. It’s a great option for those who want to add a bit of zest to their holiday home, without relying on synthetic scents. This simmer pot will keep your space smelling festive and fresh for hours, perfect for spreading holiday cheer.

Evergreen Holiday Simmer Pot

For those who love the fresh scent of a pine forest during the holidays, this evergreen simmer pot is perfect. The combination of fresh pine needles, fir, and spruce creates an invigorating aroma that brings the outdoors inside. With the addition of warm spices and citrus, this simmer pot is a wonderful way to capture the essence of a winter walk in the woods.

Ingredients:

• 1 sprig fresh pine needles (or pine branches)
• 1 sprig fresh fir or spruce (optional)
• 1 lemon, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the pine needles, fir or spruce sprigs, lemon slices, cinnamon sticks, and whole cloves into a medium-sized pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the mixture reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to add more water if necessary.
4. Stir the ingredients occasionally to release the fresh, earthy aroma of the pine and spices.
5. The evergreen fragrance will slowly fill the room, creating a fresh, woodsy holiday atmosphere.

This evergreen holiday simmer pot is perfect for anyone who loves the outdoors and wants to bring the scent of a winter forest into their home. The combination of fresh pine, fir, and spruce with citrus and warming spices like cinnamon and cloves creates a refreshing, earthy fragrance that feels both invigorating and festive. It’s the perfect way to capture the feeling of a winter walk in the woods, without stepping outside. This simmer pot will fill your space with a fresh, natural holiday scent that’s sure to bring joy to any holiday celebration or quiet moment at home.

Spiced Cranberry Apple Simmer Pot

This spiced cranberry apple simmer pot combines the tartness of cranberries with the sweetness of apples and the warming spices of cinnamon and cloves. It evokes a festive and cozy atmosphere, perfect for a holiday gathering or a quiet evening at home. The combination of fruity and spicy notes will fill your home with a comforting, welcoming scent that makes everyone feel right at home.

Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cranberries
• 2 apples, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon orange peel (optional)
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Place the fresh cranberries, apple slices, cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and orange peel (if using) into a medium-sized pot.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once the mixture starts to boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours. Add more water as needed to keep the ingredients submerged.
4. Stir occasionally to release the sweet and spicy aromas from the cranberries, apples, and spices.
5. Your home will be filled with the festive fragrance of apples and cranberries, enhanced by the warmth of cinnamon and cloves.

This spiced cranberry apple simmer pot is a beautiful way to evoke the feeling of holiday warmth and cheer. The balance between tart cranberries and sweet apples, paired with the spiciness of cinnamon and cloves, creates a lovely, welcoming fragrance. It’s an ideal simmer pot for family gatherings, dinner parties, or even when you just want to bring a little extra holiday magic into your home. The long-lasting aroma is sure to create a cozy ambiance that everyone will enjoy.

Gingerbread Spice Simmer Pot

For anyone who loves the rich, sweet, and spicy aroma of gingerbread cookies baking in the oven, this simmer pot will be your new holiday favorite. Combining the bold flavors of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and cloves with the warmth of vanilla and molasses, this recipe brings the scent of gingerbread into your home, filling it with festive cheer.

Ingredients:

• 1 tablespoon ground ginger
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 2 tablespoons molasses
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the ground ginger, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, whole cloves, vanilla extract, and molasses.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once it boils, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally to help release the sweet, spicy aromas.
4. Add more water as necessary to keep the simmering going.
5. The irresistible scent of gingerbread will fill your home, creating a warm and festive atmosphere.

This gingerbread spice simmer pot is a delightful way to bring the sweet, spicy scent of gingerbread into your home without having to bake a batch of cookies. The combination of ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg, and molasses creates a rich, festive aroma that’s perfect for the holiday season. It’s a fantastic way to make your home feel cozy and inviting while filling the air with the unmistakable scent of gingerbread. Whether you’re entertaining guests or enjoying a quiet evening by the fire, this simmer pot will add a touch of holiday magic to any occasion.

Peppermint Holiday Simmer Pot

This peppermint holiday simmer pot is a refreshing and invigorating way to enjoy the holiday season. The cool, minty scent of peppermint combines beautifully with the warmth of cinnamon and orange to create a bright and festive fragrance that fills your home with the essence of the holidays. Perfect for those who enjoy a crisp, clean aroma with a touch of sweetness.

Ingredients:

• 1 handful fresh mint leaves (or 1 tablespoon peppermint extract)
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon whole cloves
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, combine the fresh mint leaves (or peppermint extract), cinnamon sticks, orange slices, and whole cloves.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once it begins to boil, reduce the heat to low and let the pot simmer for 2-3 hours, checking occasionally to add more water as necessary.
4. Stir occasionally to release the fresh, minty and spicy aromas into the air.
5. The crisp, refreshing scent of peppermint and the warmth of cinnamon will fill your home, making it smell like a holiday wonderland.

This peppermint holiday simmer pot is perfect for those who love a fresh, minty fragrance combined with the cozy warmth of cinnamon and cloves. The invigorating peppermint, paired with the citrusy notes of orange, creates a delightful holiday scent that’s both refreshing and festive. It’s an ideal choice for brightening up any room, whether you’re hosting a holiday party or simply want to fill your home with a clean, cheerful aroma. This simmer pot will make your home smell like a holiday escape filled with peppermint sweetness and seasonal warmth.

Apple Pie Spice Simmer Pot

This apple pie spice simmer pot captures the irresistible scent of a freshly baked apple pie. Combining sweet apples, cinnamon, nutmeg, and a touch of vanilla, it creates a warm, comforting atmosphere that is perfect for cozy winter days and holiday gatherings. The fragrance will make your home feel like a welcoming bakery, filling every room with a homey, nostalgic aroma.

Ingredients:

• 2 apples, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon ground cinnamon
• 1/2 teaspoon ground nutmeg
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium pot, combine the apple slices, cinnamon sticks, ground cinnamon, ground nutmeg, and vanilla extract.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 2-3 hours, stirring occasionally.
4. Add more water as needed to keep the simmering mixture full of rich aromas.
5. Enjoy the deliciously sweet and spicy scent that fills your home, bringing the feeling of freshly baked apple pie to life.

This apple pie spice simmer pot will instantly transport you to a cozy kitchen, where the scent of baking apples and spices fills the air. It’s the perfect simmer pot for creating a warm and inviting atmosphere during the holidays or any time of the year. The comforting blend of apple, cinnamon, nutmeg, and vanilla brings all the cozy feelings associated with fall and winter into your home. It’s a simple yet delightful way to fill your space with the essence of a beloved dessert without turning on the oven.

Sweet Holiday Pear and Spice Simmer Pot

This pear and spice simmer pot brings a sophisticated yet cozy holiday scent to your home. The gentle sweetness of pears, combined with the warmth of cinnamon, cloves, and vanilla, creates an inviting fragrance that feels both refreshing and comforting. It’s perfect for those looking for a subtle yet festive aroma to set the mood for any holiday occasion.

Ingredients:

• 2 pears, sliced
• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 4 whole cloves
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. Slice the pears and place them into a medium-sized pot along with the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, and vanilla extract.
2. Add 4 cups of water and bring it to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let the mixture simmer for 2-3 hours, replenishing the water as needed.
4. Stir occasionally to release the sweet and spicy aromas.
5. The warm scent of pears, cinnamon, and vanilla will gradually fill your home, creating a soothing, festive atmosphere.

This sweet holiday pear and spice simmer pot is the perfect way to introduce a touch of elegance and warmth to your holiday home. The combination of fresh pears and warm spices creates a soothing, inviting fragrance that isn’t overpowering, making it ideal for creating a peaceful, cozy environment. Whether you’re celebrating the holidays or simply enjoying a quiet evening, the subtle sweetness of pears paired with the depth of cinnamon and cloves will transform your home into a fragrant sanctuary. It’s an excellent alternative for those looking for a unique, less traditional simmer pot scent.

Holiday Warmth Cinnamon & Clove Simmer Pot

This holiday warmth simmer pot recipe is an easy way to fill your home with the rich, comforting fragrance of cinnamon and cloves. These two spices are holiday staples, and when combined with a bit of orange and vanilla, they create an irresistible scent that will instantly make your space feel cozy and festive. It’s a perfect option for anyone looking to create a warm and welcoming atmosphere with minimal ingredients.

Ingredients:

• 3 cinnamon sticks
• 5 whole cloves
• 1 orange, sliced
• 1 tablespoon vanilla extract
• 4 cups water

Instructions:

1. In a medium-sized pot, add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, sliced orange, and vanilla extract.
2. Pour in 4 cups of water and bring to a boil over medium-high heat.
3. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and allow it to simmer for 2-3 hours, adding water as needed to maintain the simmering effect.
4. Stir occasionally to release the wonderful scent of cinnamon, cloves, and citrus.
5. Let the sweet and spicy fragrance fill your home, creating a holiday atmosphere that’s both comforting and inviting.

This holiday warmth cinnamon and clove simmer pot is a simple yet effective way to fill your home with the comforting scents of the season. The cinnamon and cloves provide a rich, spicy fragrance, while the orange and vanilla add a bright and sweet layer to the aroma. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering or simply looking to enjoy a quiet moment, this simmer pot will make your home smell like the holidays with little effort. It’s an affordable and easy way to create a warm, inviting ambiance, perfect for any time of year but especially during the festive season.

Note: More recipes are coming soon!