Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe

If you’re looking to fill your home with the warm, cozy scents of the holidays without breaking out the candles or sprays, I’ve got you covered with this fan-freaking-tastic Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe. This easy stovetop simmer pot brings together classic seasonal aromas in a way that’s both natural and inviting. Trust me, when you try this, you’ll find it instantly transports you to festive moments filled with cinnamon, citrus, and pine, making your space smell like Christmas morning. Let’s dive in because this simple recipe is one I always keep handy during the holidays.

this …

Ingredients You’ll Need

This Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe uses an inviting blend of fruits and spices that complement each other beautifully. When shopping, I like to grab fresh cranberries and a good quality orange with vibrant skin – they both offer amazing aroma and color.

• Cranberries: Fresh or frozen work well, cranberries add a tart, festive punch.
• Cinnamon sticks: Go for sticks instead of ground cinnamon for a longer, more mellow scent.
• Rosemary sprigs: This herb gives a lovely piney, evergreen note perfect for Christmas.
• Whole cloves: Adds warmth and a gentle spiced depth. Be careful, they’re potent!
• Orange: I slice it up so the citrus oils can really infuse the simmering water.
• Water or apple juice: Apple juice creates a sweeter aroma, while water keeps it lighter.
• Optional fruit and spices: Apples, pears, lemon slices, allspice, anise, or even leftover vanilla beans can add unique touches.

Variations

I love mixing up this Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe depending on what’s in season or what scents I’m craving. Feel free to get creative and make this your own scent-sational tradition.

• Fruit swap: I once added pear instead of apple, and it gave a subtle sweetness that everyone asked about.
• Non-citrus option: For a more woody aroma, increase rosemary and add a few star anise pods.
• Using apple juice: I prefer apple juice over water when I want a sweeter, more candy-like scent that fills the whole house.
• Slow cooker method: On busy days, I pour everything into a slow cooker on low and let it gently simmer all day for continuous fragrance.

How to Make Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe

Step 1: Gather and Prep Your Ingredients

Start by rinsing your fresh cranberries and fruits. Slice the orange (and optional apples or pears if you’re using them) into quarters or thin slices—this increases surface area so more of those oils and juices release into the simmering water. Break up the cinnamon sticks a bit if you want a bolder scent, but it’s perfectly fine to leave them whole too.

Step 2: Combine Everything in a Pot

Place the cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary sprigs, whole cloves, fruits, and any optional ingredients into a medium saucepan. Pour in 4 to 6 cups of water or apple juice — I usually start with 4 cups and add more as the water evaporates. This combo creates an aromatic stew that fills your kitchen and beyond.

Step 3: Simmer Gently on Low Heat

Bring your pot to a gentle simmer over the lowest heat possible. This slow simmer lets the scents meld perfectly without boiling off too quickly or burning. I learned that a higher heat dries out the ingredients fast and makes the aroma fade quickly, so patience is key here.

Step 4: Maintain and Refresh

Remember to keep an eye on the water level! Add more water or apple juice whenever it starts getting low so your pot never runs dry. I usually get 3 to 4 days of lovely fragrance before it’s time to refresh the ingredients for a new batch.

How to Serve Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe

Garnishes

While technically not a dish, you can still add a small garnish if you like, especially if you’re serving holiday drinks alongside this simmer pot. I often place a fresh rosemary sprig or a cinnamon stick in holiday mugs for that extra festive touch.

Side Dishes

Since this isn’t edible, I pair it with holiday treats like gingerbread cookies or spiced beverages during gatherings. It’s fantastic to have simmering in the background while everyone enjoys their holiday snacks.

Creative Ways to Present

I’ve tried using a clear glass slow cooker insert on our kitchen island that looks pretty, so guests can see the colorful fruits and spices as the aroma gently fills the room. It’s a beautiful seasonal centerpiece that doubles as décor and scent.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have leftover simmer liquid without fruit bits, I like to store it in a sealed jar in the fridge and reuse it for a day or two by reheating and adding fresh fruits and spices. This way, little goes to waste and your home keeps smelling festive.

Freezing

I don’t usually freeze the simmer pot ingredients because fresh citrus and herbs lose their aroma after freezing, but you can freeze any fruit slices separately to save time prepping in the future.

Reheating

Reheat your leftover simmer pot gently on the stovetop over low heat, adding a splash of water or apple juice to revive the scent. Avoid boiling to keep the aromas fresh and prevent burnt notes.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I absolutely love how this Christmas Potpourri Simmer Recipe fills my home with those classic holiday scents that bring back so many warm memories. It’s such a simple and natural way to make every corner feel festive, especially when life gets hectic and you don’t have time to fuss with elaborate decorations or sprays. Give it a try, and I bet you’ll make this a holiday tradition you come back to year after year—it’s like wrapping your home in a cozy holiday hug. Happy simmering, my friend!

Print