Nothing says fall and Christmas like the warm scent of citrus, cranberries, and cinnamon drifting through the air. This cranberry orange simmer pot recipe is an easy and natural way to make your whole house smell cozy and festive.
Perfect for crisp autumn days, Thanksgiving gatherings, or even carrying the cozy fragrance into the holiday season, this simmer pot recipe will quickly become a favorite from fall through Christmas.
What Is a Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot?
A simmer pot, also called stove top or stovetop potpourri, is simply a blend of fruit, herbs, and whole spices that you heat gently in a saucepan or pan with water. As it simmers, it releases the most wonderful aroma that lingers throughout your home.
Now, this cranberry orange recipe is especially festive because of its bright orange slices, ruby-red cranberries, and a blend of spices that smell just like autumn and Christmas potpourri.
Ingredients for a Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot Recipe
Here’s what you’ll need to make this beautiful stove top potpourri for fall and the holidays:
- 1 cup fresh cranberries (frozen works too)
- 1 large orange, sliced into rounds
- 3 cinnamon sticks (or substitute with 1 tsp ground cinnamon)
- 2–3 sprigs of fresh rosemary
- 10–12 whole cloves
- Water to cover ingredients
- Pot or Borosilicate pot (clear glass pot)
- Knife
- Cutting Board
Tip: If fresh cranberries aren’t available, check the freezer section. Shop all the ingredients here.
Instructions: How to Make a Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot
- Slice your orange into rounds and place them in a saucepan or pan.
- Add cranberries, cinnamon sticks (or ground spices like cinnamon if you prefer), rosemary, and cloves.
- Pour in water until the ingredients are covered.
- Set the stove top to medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
- Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer and steam.
As it steams, your home will be filled with a fresh fall and Christmas fragrance. If the water runs low, add more to keep the ingredients from drying out.
Step-by-Step with Photos
Step 1: Slice the orange
Cut the orange into rounds and add them to your saucepan.
Step 2: Add the spices and cranberries
Toss in cranberries, cinnamon sticks, rosemary, and cloves.
Step 3: Pour in the water
Add enough water just to cover the ingredients.
Step 4: Bring to a gentle boil
Heat on medium until it begins to boil.
Step 5: Simmer and enjoy the aroma
Turn down the heat to low and let it simmer, filling your home with cozy fall and Christmas fragrance.
Step 6: Refresh as needed
Top off with water whenever it runs low.
Tips for the Best Holiday Simmer Pot
- Use a pretty pan: A copper pot adds warmth, while a clear saucepan, a Borosilicate glass pot, lets you see the floating ingredients, but honestly, any pot works.
- Water level: Keep ingredients covered with water and add more as needed.
- Whole vs. ground spices: Using whole spices like cinnamon sticks and cloves lasts longer, but ground cinnamon works in a pinch.
- Slow cooker option: Add everything to a slow cooker, cover with water, and set on low for all-day fragrance.
When to Use a Cranberry Orange Simmer Pot
This simmer pot is perfect for:
- A holiday party where you want guests to walk into a home filled with cozy scents.
- Decorating the Christmas tree and making it a memorable tradition.
- Thanksgiving gatherings or casual winter nights.
- November through December – this simmer pot is the perfect autumn transition to a Christmas scent.
- Adding moisture to the air – on dry days, this simmer pot is excellent for adding moisture to the air in your home.
The fragrance is warm enough for fall but festive enough to double as Christmas stovetop potpourri.
Simmer Pot Gift Idea
A cranberry orange simmer pot also makes the sweetest handmade gift. Package the ingredients in a clear bag, add a ribbon, and attach a recipe card or my editable PDF printable gift tag in my Etsy shop.
This thoughtful DIY gift is perfect for teachers, neighbors, or hostesses. Remember, I have editable PDF simmer pot gift tags in my Etsy shop, and you can find affordable ingredients in my Walmart Simmer Pot Collection.
Here is one for Christmas, too. Just like the autumn simmer pot editable gift tag – this Christmas editable gift tag is easy to edit and decorate your Christmas simmer pot gift bags.
Also, check out these creative simmer pot gift ideas for even more inspiration. They’re simple, fragrant, and make the sweetest homemade gifts for the holidays.
More Christmas Simmer Pot Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoyed this one, try these other autumn simmer pot recipes:
- Apple Pie Simmer Pot Recipe – a cozy blend of apples, vanilla, and whole spices like star anise. My favorite time of year to use this simmer and gift this recipe is all the fall months. September through November
- Pumpkin Spice Simmer Pot Recipe – a spicy blend that’s perfect for fall. My favorite time of year to gift and simmer this recipe is September through November.
- 3 Cozy Fall Simmer Pot Ideas – if this simmer pot isn't quit right then check out these three cozy fall simmer pot ideas.
And for more seasonal ideas, check out my Fall Decorating Tips.
Final Thoughts
Now, this cranberry orange simmer pot recipe is more than just a way to make your home smell good, it’s like welcoming the holidays in a saucepan. With just a few ingredients, you can create a warm, inviting space for every gathering.
Try this simple recipe during the holiday season, and see how quickly it becomes your go-to for cozy, fragrant moments.
Happy Fall!
