If you love fall scents, this fall simmer pot recipe is just what you need! With only a few ingredients, you can have your home smelling crisp, clean and absolutely delicious within a few minutes! Make a batch up today and you can have your favorite simmer pot anytime you want!
The aroma of fall is my favorite. There aren’t too many scents that can instantly make my heart sing, but the smell of apple cider, pumpkin spice, cinnamon and cloves all bring with it the memories of my childhood and the hope that spring; with it’s new birth and growth is right around the corner. This easy DIY simmering stovetop potpourri is just what I need to bring the scents of fall right to my kitchen.
I love using a simple fall simmer pot to make my home smell amazing without relying on chemical air fresheners or expensive candles. A good fall simmer pot fills the house with warm, cozy scents, but uses simple, natural ingredients I already have on hand. It’s one of the easiest ways to set the tone for the season, especially when the weather finally starts to turn and the air gets crisp.
This particular mix is my favorite for fall. It uses sliced apples, oranges, whole cloves, lemon slices, lime slices, cinnamon sticks, and a few drops of essential oil, if you want to use them. I do because I want a strong smell. I’ll often toss in a handful of cranberries, vanilla extract or star anise if I have them, but they’re optional. You don’t need anything special simmer pot ingredients unless you want to use those things. You can even use orange peels and apple peels or cores if you don’t have fresh ingredients. Just ensure the ingredients you use are not rotting or spoiling.
What is a fall simmer pot?
An autumn simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like; a pot of water filled with aromatic ingredients that simmers gently on the stove. As it heats, the scent makes your whole house smell of the ingredients in your simmer pot; the same way your favorite casserole fills the house. Fall simmer pots usually include ingredients that remind us of cooler weather and cozy days: think cinnamon, cloves, oranges, apples, and nutmeg. The key is simmering it gently on the stove and letting the steam carry the scent through the house.
While it does sound delicious, you’re not cooking this to eat; it’s just for the scent. But the mix you use can be customized to whatever you love. I tend to lean toward warm, spiced fruit blends because they remind me of cider on the stove or fresh pies in the oven.
Can I use essential oils in a simmer pot?
You absolutely can. I’ve found that essential oils are a great way to boost or stretch the scent when I don’t have as much fresh produce or whole spices on hand. I personally use Simply Earth oils since they’re third-party tested and budget-friendly.
If I’m short on cloves or cinnamon sticks, I’ll add a few drops of clove or cinnamon bark essential oil to the water. Orange, nutmeg, ginger, and even cardamom oils also work beautifully in a fall simmer pot. Just keep in mind that oil and water don’t mix, so start with just 2–3 drops total. Too much oil can be overpowering and even irritate your sinuses. Less really is more here.
I usually get about 2–3 days of use out of one simmer pot before the scent fades. When I’m done, I strain the solids and compost them if I can.
Tips for getting the most out of your simmer pot
- Don’t let the water boil dry. Always keep an eye on the water level and add more water when needed. If you’re busy, set a timer so you don’t forget.
- Use a small slow cooker. If you don’t want to keep a large pot on the stove, a mini Crock pot works great for simmer pots. Just keep the lid off.
- Change it up seasonally. This fall blend is great from September through November, but you can switch to pine and citrus for winter or lemon and herbs like fresh rosemary and bay leaves in spring.
Why I choose simmer pots over candles
There’s nothing wrong with a good candle, but most store-bought versions are loaded with synthetic fragrance and paraffin wax. That combination gives me a headache after a while. Simmer pots let me control exactly what goes in the air I breathe. Plus, I can toss the ingredients into the compost when I’m done. No waste, no harsh chemicals, and no mystery ingredients.
Even better, they’re cheap. Most of the time, I’m using fruit that’s a little past its prime or spices from the pantry. It takes less than five minutes to toss together, and the payoff is a warm, welcoming home that smells like someone’s been baking all day.
Fall Simmer Pot Recipe
Equipment
Ingredients
- 1 Large Orange Cut into large slices
- 1 Large Apple Cut into large slices
- 10 Cinnamon Sticks
- 10 Cloves Whole
- 2 Lemons Cut into large slices
- 2 Limes Cut into large slices
- 5 Quarts Boiling Water with lids soaking in the water
- Orange, clove, cinnamon, or nutmeg essential oil optional
Instructions
- Wash fruit very well and cut into slices.
- Split and add the fruit slices into the 5 quart jars.1 Large Orange, 1 Large Apple, 2 Lemons, 2 Limes
- Add 2 cinnamon sticks to each jar10 Cinnamon Sticks
- Add 2 whole cloves to each jar.10 Cloves
- Add 1 quart boiling water to each jar stopping at the bottom rim.5 Quarts Boiling Water
- Add a hot lid to each jar to seal. Add a ring and tighten fingertip tight.
- Wait for the jar to ping and remove ring.
To use:
- Pour one jar into a small sauce pan and bring to a simmer.
- Add 1 quart of water when the current water runs dry to reuse the fruit.