How to Make a Rosemary Simmer Pot for Fall, Thanksgiving & Christmas

One of the best things about the holidays is the scent of the season!

While there are many holiday-scented candles and diffusers available, my favorite way to create a festive aroma is by using a simmer pot.

This time of year, I often choose rosemary as the highlight. I love this herb and grow it in a pot on my patio to utilize it for various purposes during the holiday season (here are a few tips on caring for rosemary!).

The plant’s woodsy, evergreen scent evokes images of Christmas trees, holiday garlands, fresh wreaths, and festive days.

If you’ve never tried making your own simmer pot, now it the perfect time!

They’re easy, completely customizable, and a natural way to make your entire home smell like your favorite holiday scents.

Today, I’m sharing how to make a super-simple Rosemary Holiday Simmer Pot. I’ll share some of my favorite ingredient combinations and offer a few tips for maximizing your holiday simmer pot.

What Exactly Is a Simmer Pot?

A simmer pot is exactly what it sounds like: a pot of water gently simmering on your stove, filled with fragrant ingredients that release their scents into the air as they heat.

As the water warms, the steam carries those lovely natural aromas throughout your home.

Simmer pots are one of those simple traditions that feel almost magical. You can customize them for any season, but there’s something especially special about a holiday simmer pot.

The combination of fresh rosemary with citrus, cranberries, cinnamon, and spices creates a scent that’s both festive and calming.

If you’re hosting a holiday party, decorating your home for Christmas, or simply want to create a cozy atmosphere on a winter afternoon, a rosemary simmer pot is one of the easiest ways to bring the season indoors.

Why Rosemary Is Perfect for Holiday Simmer Pots

There are a few reasons why I love using rosemary as a base for holiday simmer pots:

• Fresh, green, and woodsy scent: Rosemary has a crisp, herbal fragrance that reminds me of evergreen branches, fresh wreaths, and winter walks through the trees.
• Pairs beautifully with holiday ingredients: It blends easily with warm spices, sweet citrus, and tart cranberries to create a layered, inviting scent.
• Readily available: Whether you grow it in your own herb garden or pick it up at the grocery store, rosemary is easy to find fresh year-round.
• Symbolic of holiday greenery: Rosemary’s needle-like leaves and vibrant green color fit right in with holiday decor and traditional winter herbs.

Plus, rosemary holds up well in simmer pots, releasing its scent slowly and evenly without breaking down too quickly.

Ingredients that Pair Well with Rosemary

The beauty of simmer pots lies in their flexibility. You can mix and match ingredients based on what you have on hand or the particular scent you’re going for. Here are some of my favorite pairings that work perfectly with rosemary for the holidays:

Citrus

• Oranges
• Clementines
• Lemons
• Grapefruits

Citrus adds a bright, fresh top note that balances the deeper, woodsy rosemary. I almost always slice up an orange or two for my holiday simmer pots.

-Cranberries

Fresh or frozen cranberries add both visual beauty and a subtle tartness to the aroma. Their bright red color also makes the simmer pot feel especially festive sitting on your stovetop.

-Cinnamon Sticks

Cinnamon adds instant warmth and spice, making the house feel even cozier on chilly days. Whole sticks work best, but ground cinnamon can be used in a pinch.

-Cloves

Whole cloves provide a rich, spiced scent that complements rosemary perfectly. A teaspoon or two is plenty for most simmer pots.

-Star Anise

If you want to add a hint of licorice-like depth, toss in a few whole star anise pods. They also look beautiful floating in the pot.

-Vanilla

A splash of pure vanilla extract or a piece of vanilla bean softens the sharper notes and adds a touch of sweet warmth.

-Pine or Cedar Trimmings

If you have fresh pine or cedar from a tree or wreath, adding a few sprigs gives your simmer pot an even more evergreen aroma.

-Peppermint

For a refreshing, candy-cane twist, you can add peppermint leaves or a drop of peppermint extract.

How to Make a Rosemary Holiday Simmer Pot

Making a simmer pot couldn’t be easier, which is part of what makes it so lovely during the busy holiday season. Here’s how to put it all together:

Ingredients

• 3–4 fresh rosemary sprigs
• 1–2 oranges (or other citrus), sliced
• 1 cup fresh or frozen cranberries
• 2 cinnamon sticks
• 1 teaspoon whole cloves
• 1–2 star anise pods
• 1 teaspoon vanilla extract (optional)
• Water

Instructions

1. Fill Your Pot: Start by filling a medium saucepan with 3–4 cups of water.
2. Add the Ingredients: Add the rosemary sprigs and the remaining ingredients directly to the pot.
3. Heat: Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
4. Simmer: Once it reaches a boil, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer gently. As the water steams, it will fill your home with the most wonderful holiday fragrance.
5. Top Off as Needed: Keep an eye on the water level and add more water as needed to prevent the pot from running dry.

That’s it! You can enjoy the scent for several hours while decorating, baking, or relaxing with a cup of tea by the tree.

Holiday Simmer Pot Variations

Depending on your mood or what you have on hand, you can easily tweak your rosemary holiday simmer pot. Here are a few favorite combinations:

Traditional Christmas Blend

Rosemary + Orange Slices + Cranberries + Cinnamon Sticks + Cloves

Winter Wonderland Blend

Rosemary + Lemon Slices + Vanilla Extract + Peppermint Leaves

Cozy Spiced Blend

Rosemary + Apple Slices + Star Anise + Cinnamon + Cloves

Each version creates a slightly different mood while still feeling perfectly festive.

Can You Reuse Simmer Pot Ingredients?

In most cases, you can reuse your simmer pot ingredients two times. After you’re done simmering, allow everything to cool and store it in the refrigerator. The next day, simply add fresh water and simmer again.

That said, the ingredients do lose their fragrance over time, so after 2–3 uses, it’s best to compost or discard the mixture and start fresh.

I enjoy using the leftover sliced citrus to make dried orange slices, which I use as drink garnishes or in holiday crafts.

Where to Get Fresh Rosemary for Simmer Pots

• Farmers Markets: I love getting rosemary sprigs from my local farmers market. They’re freshly cut and beautiful. Many markets continue to offer fresh herbs through the fall and winter seasons.
• Grocery Stores: Most supermarkets carry fresh rosemary year-round in the produce section.
• Home Herb Gardens: If you grow rosemary at home, this is a perfect way to enjoy your herbs during the colder months.

Why You’ll Love Rosemary Holiday Simmer Pots

Aside from how wonderful they smell, there are so many reasons to love making simmer pots part of your holiday traditions:

• They’re completely natural—no synthetic fragrances or chemicals.
• You can easily customize them to suit your preferences or use what you have on hand.
• They fill your entire home with the scent of the season.
• They make your holiday decorating and hosting feel extra special. It will wow your guests!
• They’re affordable and use ingredients you likely already have.

There’s something truly satisfying about creating a holiday atmosphere using simple, natural ingredients.

If you’ve never tried making a rosemary holiday simmer pot, I highly recommend giving it a try this season. It’s one of those little rituals that makes the holidays feel more magical, more inviting, and just a bit more special.

Experiment with different ingredients, and make it your own!

If you found this post helpful, be sure to save it for later or share it with a friend who loves making their home feel festive during the holidays.