This Simmer Pot is a great way using natural ingredients to make your house smell amazing from simmering cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cloves and star anise if you like. Great for Thanksgiving and Christmas!

simmer pot

I may earn commissions for purchases made through links on this post.

CHRISTMAS SIMMER POT RECIPE

Basically anytime between November and January 1st I have this simmer pot on my stove and it makes my home smell like the holidays.

I love it because this stovetop potpourri creates a natural scent that feels cozy as an alternative to candles and air fresheners which can sometimes be overwhelming.

I simmer the pot for a few days, refreshing with fresh water and fresh ingredients.

WHAT IS A SIMMER POT?

It’s a pot of water filled with cranberries, citrus, herbs, cinnamon and cloves that you keep on a low simmer on the stove to create a pleasant aroma.

SIMMER POT INGREDIENTS

  • FRESH CRANBERRIES – I get a big bag from Costco!
  • SLICED ORANGES – I usually use about half and orange. You can even use sliced Cuties (mandarin oranges). Lemon slices can also be used!
  • CINNAMON STICKS – I usually buy a huge jar of these.
  • FRESH ROSEMARY SPRIGS – If you have other fresh herbs leftover, I’ve also used thyme and sage.
  • STAR ANISE – Not required at all. It has a licorice scent and is totally a chef’s kiss to a simmer pot. If you don’t have this it will still be great!
  • WHOLE CLOVES
  • OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS: apple slices, pumpkin spice, splash of vanilla extract

simmer pot

OTHER CRANBERRY RECIPES:

simmer pot

Simmer Pot

Christy Denney
No ratings yet
This Simmer Pot is an all natural candle alternative that makes your house smell amazing from simmering cranberries, orange slices, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, cloves and star anise if you like.
Print Pin Rate
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Servings: 1 pot

Ingredients
  

  • 2 cups fresh cranberries
  • 1/2 orange, sliced
  • 1-2 sprigs rosemary
  • 2-3 whole cinnamon sticks
  • 5-6 whole cloves
  • (optional) 2-3 star anise

Instructions
 

  • In a medium pot, add all of the ingredients and cover with water. Simmer on the lowest heat for a few hours, adding more water as necessary.

Notes

OPTIONAL INGREDIENTS: There are lots of variations to this. You can add apple slices, lemon slices, pumpkin spice, splash of vanilla extract, or any fresh herbs you have. 
Cuisine: American
Course: All Recipes
Author: Christy Denney

simmer pot