There’s something magical about walking into a room that smells fresh and vibrant, especially in the summertime. While store-bought air fresheners can be overwhelming or artificial, a summer citrus simmer pot offers a gentle, natural alternative that’s as pretty as fragrant.
This recipe combines the sunniest ingredients of the season: juicy oranges and limes, fragrant sprigs of rosemary, freshly picked mint, and calming lavender blossoms. As it simmers on your stovetop, this botanical blend fills your kitchen—and your entire home—with a soft, citrusy scent that’s bright, herbal, and uplifting.
If you’ve never made a simmer pot, you’re in for a treat. This is one of the simplest, most satisfying ways to celebrate the beauty of summer with your senses.
What Is a Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot is a mixture of fruit slices, herbs, spices, and water that you gently heat on the stove to release a lovely aroma into your home. Some people call them “stovetop potpourri” or “stovetop scents,” but the idea is the same: it’s an all-natural way to make your home smell incredible, without chemicals or candles.
Simmer pots have long been popular in fall and winter (think cinnamon sticks and oranges in December), but they’re just as delightful in the warmer months. This summer version celebrates the zesty and herbal fragrances of the season with ingredients that feel fresh from the garden.
Why You’ll Love This Summer Citrus Simmer Pot
One of the best things about this simmer pot is its accessibility. You likely already have some of these ingredients on hand—and even if you don’t, they’re easy to grab at the store or farmer’s market.
Here’s why this blend stands out:
- Citrus slices provide a clean, energizing scent that instantly lifts the mood.
- Fresh mint leaves add a cool, crisp element that complements the citrus.
- Rosemary sprigs bring a deeper herbal note that grounds the blend beautifully.
- Lavender blossoms offer a floral, calming finish that softens the sharper citrus tones.
It’s a scent that feels like sunlight through a screen door, garden-fresh herbs snipped for lemonade, and a clean home after a morning breeze.
And best of all? It’s effortless.
Ingredients
This blend is made with five simple ingredients. You can adjust the quantities based on what you have or how strong you want the aroma to be.
You’ll need:
- 1 orange, sliced into rounds
- 1 lime, sliced into rounds
- A small handful of fresh mint leaves
- 1–2 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 1 tablespoon of dried or fresh lavender blossoms
- Water (enough to fill your pot about ¾ of the way)
Optional: Add a few lemon slices for extra brightness or a splash of vanilla extract for a sweet undertone.
How to Make a Simmer Pot
Making a simmer pot is as easy as it gets. The hardest part might be deciding which photo angle to use when you inevitably want to capture how gorgeous it looks!
Here’s how to make it:
- Slice the orange and lime into thin, even rounds.
- Lightly crush the mint leaves in your hands to release their natural oils.
- Place the citrus slices, mint, rosemary, and lavender into a medium saucepan.
- Fill the pot with water until it’s about three-quarters full.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over low heat.
- Let it simmer uncovered, checking occasionally to make sure there’s enough water. Top off with warm water as needed.
- Enjoy the scent as it drifts throughout your home.
That’s it! Within minutes, your kitchen will smell like a botanical garden on a sunny morning.
Tips for Using and Reusing Your Simmer Pot
One of the best things about simmer pots is that you can stretch them over an entire day—or even longer with proper storage.
To get the most from your summer citrus simmer pot:
- Use a Crockpot or slow cooker if you don’t want to leave the stove on. Just set it to low, uncover the lid, and let it go.
- Reuse the pot by storing cooled ingredients and liquid in a mason jar in the fridge overnight. You can reheat the next day and enjoy the scent all over again.
- Compost the ingredients once they’ve run their course, and feel good about not creating any waste.
- Experiment with add-ins like lemon balm, thyme, or even basil if you’re feeling creative.
This is such an easy, flexible ritual. It can be a daily habit or an occasional treat—either way, it makes your home feel extra intentional.
When to Use a Summer Simmer Pot
While I love lighting candles, there’s something extra special about a simmer pot—especially when it’s seasonal and intentional. It feels like a little act of care, both for yourself and your space.
Here are a few times it’s perfect to simmer a summer citrus blend:
- On a slow weekend morning while tidying the house
- Before guests arrive for brunch or a garden gathering
- After cooking, to reset the scent in your kitchen
- While reading, journaling, or winding down in the afternoon
- During nap time or quiet time—just to enjoy the peaceful mood
Even if you’re not usually one to “scent your space,” this blend might just convert you.
In a season that can sometimes feel busy and hot and a little chaotic, this summer citrus simmer pot is a way to ground yourself and your space. It’s simple, seasonal, and beautiful—and it fills your home with a scent that says welcome, fresh start, and summertime all at once.
Whether you’re prepping for guests, tackling the dishes, or just enjoying a quiet afternoon, a simmer pot like this adds something special to the air—literally and emotionally.
So gather a few citrus slices, snip some mint from your garden (or the grocery store), and give this easy recipe a try. If you love it as much as I do, tag @amongthelilacsblog on Instagram or share your simmer pot moments using #AmongTheLilacsHome. I’d love to see how you make this little ritual your own.
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