Nothing says fall quite like the comforting aroma of cinnamon, citrus, and spice wafting through your home. Simmer pots are one of the easiest (and most natural!) ways to fill your space with cozy, seasonal scents – no candles required. All you need is a small pot, some water, and a few simple ingredients.
Below are five of my favorite fall simmer pot recipes that will instantly bring those warm, nostalgic autumn vibes into your kitchen.
1. Ginger Delight
Ingredients:
- ¼ apple, sliced
- ¼ orange, sliced
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- 1 cinnamon stick
- ½ inch fresh ginger, sliced
- ½ cup water
This blend has a little bit of everything – sweet, spicy, and citrusy. The fresh ginger gives your home a bright, cozy warmth that pairs beautifully with apple and cinnamon.
2. Citrus & Clove
Ingredients:
- ¼ lemon, sliced
- ¼ orange, sliced
- Whole cloves
- ½ cup water
A fresh and zesty favorite! The citrus notes are invigorating, while the cloves add that classic holiday spice. Perfect for freshening up your kitchen or living space after cooking.
3. Vanilla Chai
Ingredients:
- 2 chai tea bags
- 1 tsp vanilla extract
- ½ cup water
If you’re a chai latte lover, this one’s for you. It fills your home with the cozy scent of cardamom, cinnamon, and vanilla—like your favorite fall café drink in simmer pot form.
4. Cinnamon Apple
Ingredients:
- ½ apple, sliced
- 2 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tsp whole cloves
The ultimate fall classic. It’s the scent of apple pie baking in the oven without having to actually bake one. This one’s always a crowd-pleaser!
5. Pumpkin Pie
Ingredients:
- ½ orange, sliced
- 3 cinnamon sticks
- 1 tbsp pumpkin pie spice
- ½ tsp ground nutmeg
- 5 whole cloves
- ½ cup water
All the warm spices you love in one pot. This one instantly makes your home smell like Thanksgiving – rich, spicy, and sweet.
How to Use a Simmer Pot
For any of the recipes above:
- Add all ingredients to a small saucepan with ½ cup of water (you can use ½ of a lemon or orange instead of a ¼ for a stronger scent).
- Bring to a gentle simmer on your stovetop, then reduce to low heat.
- Add more water as needed to keep it from drying out.
- Alternatively, place ingredients in a heatproof jar and set it on a candle warmer for a slower, flameless version.
Your home will be filled with the scents of the season in minutes, and the best part is, each mixture can be reused by simply adding more water for another round of cozy fall fragrance.