DIY Simmer Pot Recipes for Autumn & Christmas Using a Coffee Warmer
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DIY Simmer Pot Recipes for Autumn & Christmas Using a Coffee Warmer

Updated: Nov 7

As the nights draw in and the air turns crisp, there’s nothing more comforting than filling your home with the natural scents of autumn and Christmas. Simmer pots are a simple, eco-friendly way to fragrance your home without synthetic sprays or pricey candles. The best part is that you can use a mini glass simmer pot or even repurpose a small, heat-safe glass jar on a coffee warmer for these DIY Simmer Pot Recipes for Autumn & Christmas.


Why Use a Coffee Warmer for Simmer Pots?

Traditional simmer pots are heated on the stove, but a coffee warmer keeps things safe, compact, and low-maintenance. It gently warms your blend throughout the day, releasing fragrance without requiring you to keep a close eye on a pan. Perfect for small spaces, work-from-home desks, or cosy corners of your living room.


A small glass pot styled as a mini simmer pot placed on top of a sleek coffee warmer. The pot is filled with water, slices of orange, a few cranberries, sprigs of rosemary, cinnamon sticks, and star anise floating on the surface.
DIY Simmer Pot Recipes for Autumn & Christmas Using a Coffee Warmer

Autumn Simmer Pot Recipes

Pumpkin Spice Comfort

  • 2 slices of orange (fresh or dried)

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • ¼ teaspoon grated nutmeg

  • 3–4 whole cloves

  • A small piece of vanilla pod (or ½ teaspoon vanilla extract)


This blend captures everything we love about pumpkin season — warm, spicy, and sweet.


A small glass pot styled as a mini simmer pot placed on top of a sleek coffee warmer. The pot is filled with water, slices of orange, a few cloves, 1 vanilla pod and cinnamon sticks floating on the surface.
Autumn Simmer Pot Recipes

Crisp Autumn Woods

  • 2 slices of apple

  • 1 star anise

  • 1 bay leaf

  • A small sprig of rosemary

  • Optional: a cedar or pine cutting


This creates a refreshing woodland aroma that balances fruity and herbal notes.


Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes

Festive Orange & Clove

  • Peel from 1 clementine

  • 6–8 whole cloves

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • A few juniper berries (optional)


A timeless festive fragrance that feels like Christmas morning.


Mulled Wine Inspired

  • Peel from ½ orange

  • 1 star anise

  • 1 cinnamon stick

  • 1 tablespoon dried cranberries

  • Optional: a splash of red wine for depth


All the fragrance of mulled wine, without needing to serve a pot.


Winter Forest

  • A small pine cutting

  • 2 eucalyptus leaves

  • 1 bay leaf

  • 3–4 juniper berries


Fresh and cooling, this blend is ideal for those who prefer a woodland scent over something sweet.


Tips for Best Results

  • Refill with water as needed to stop ingredients from burning.

  • Reuse ingredients for up to 2 days. Simply top up with fresh water when needed.

  • Repurpose jars: if you don’t have a mini simmer pot, a small glass jar or heat-safe ramekin works well on a coffee warmer.

  • Boost the scent with a drop of essential oil, such as orange, cinnamon, or pine.


Safety Notes

  • Always place your coffee warmer on a flat, heat-safe surface.

  • Never leave it completely unattended for long periods.

  • Use heatproof glass only. Recycled jars are great, but make sure they can withstand gentle, prolonged heat.

  • Keep out of reach of children and pets.


DIY Simmer Pot Recipes for Autumn & Christmas Final Thoughts

Simmer pots are one of the simplest ways to bring the season indoors — whether it’s the spiced comfort of autumn or the festive sparkle of Christmas. By reusing fruit peel, leftover herbs, and even old glass jars, you can enjoy a natural, sustainable alternative to candles while creating a home that feels warm, cosy, and welcoming.



FAQs About Coffee Warmer Simmer Pots

1. Can I use any type of jar for a simmer pot on a coffee warmer?

You can use a small glass jar or a heat-safe ramekin, but ensure it’s tempered or designed to withstand heat. Avoid thin or decorative glass that may be prone to cracking.


2. How long do simmer pot ingredients last?

Most blends can be reused for up to 1–2 days. Simply top up with fresh water to keep them from drying out.


3. Do I need a special mini simmer pot, or can I just reuse a jar?

A purpose-made mini simmer pot is convenient, but a small, heatproof recycled jar (such as a jam jar) works perfectly as long as it’s suitable for use.


4. Is it safe to leave a coffee warmer on all day?

Yes, but always place it on a flat, heat-safe surface, keep water topped up, and avoid leaving it completely unattended.


5. Can I add essential oils to my simmer pot?

Yes, a drop or two can boost the fragrance. Add them after the water has warmed to help the scent last longer.

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