When the world outside turns crisp and quiet, nothing welcomes the season like a Christmas simmer pot.
The aroma of citrus, pine, and spice transforms an ordinary day into something nostalgic and comforting.
This easy simmer pot recipe uses ingredients straight from your pantry and garden.
As the pot gently steams, your home fills with the warmth of holiday cheer, making it feel as if Christmas itself has taken a seat by your stove.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- 1 cup fresh cranberries
- 1 slice fresh or dried grapefruit
- 3-4 dried orange slices
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 5-6 whole cloves
- 2-3 pine or cedar sprigs
- ½ teaspoon black peppercorns or a pinch of nutmeg (optional)
- 4-5 cups water
How to Make the Simmer Pot
Step 1: Prepare your citrus. If you’re using fresh fruit, slice one orange and one grapefruit into thin rounds.
Dried slices work just as well and add a rustic look if you plan to gift the mix.
Step 2: Fill a medium-sized saucepan or small pot about three-quarters full with water.
Next, place it on low to medium heat; gentle heat is key, not a rolling boil.
Step 3: Add your ingredients one by one such as cranberries, citrus slices, cinnamon sticks, cloves, and evergreen sprigs.
Watch as the colors bloom and the steam begins to swirl up in tiny curls of scent.
Step 4: Once it starts steaming, reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer uncovered so the fragrance can travel. Then add water as needed to prevent the pot from drying out.
Step 5: Keep it going for several hours while you decorate, wrap gifts, or simply relax with music playing in the background. It’s the coziest multitasker of the season.
Step 6: When you’re done, let the pot cool before pouring out the mixture.
If the ingredients still look fresh, you can reuse them the next day, just refrigerate overnight and add new water before reheating.
Storing Tips
Once cooled, strain out any solids you don’t want to reuse and pour the remaining liquid into a glass jar. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days.
When you’re ready to refresh the scent, simply pour the mix back into a pot and warm gently.
If you want to store dry simmer pot kits as gifts, layer the dried ingredients in mason jars; citrus slices first, then cranberries, spices, and a small pine sprig on top.
Next, seal tightly and attach a tag with directions for use. They’ll keep for up to a month in a cool, dry place.
How to Serve on Christmas Day
On Christmas morning, start your simmer pot while breakfast cooks. The fragrance pairs beautifully with hot cocoa, coffee, or cinnamon rolls.
Later in the day, set the pot to simmer again as guests arrive, it instantly fills the house with a festive welcome.
For a little presentation touch, transfer the steaming mixture into a ceramic bowl and place it on a trivet near your serving table (safely away from little hands).
The gentle warmth will keep releasing fragrance, making every meal feel wrapped in holiday comfort.
Tips for the Perfect Holiday Scent
- Add a splash of vanilla extract or apple juice for sweetness.
- Include a star anise pod for a beautiful star shape and soft licorice note.
- If you love bold fragrance, use an extra cinnamon stick or a few more cloves.
- Use a slow cooker on low heat if you prefer an all-day scent without supervision.
- Decorate the pot itself, tie a ribbon or add a cinnamon stick bundle for charm if you’re serving guests.
