Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe

If you’re looking for a simple, charming way to infuse your home with the warm, festive smells of the holidays, this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe is an absolute must-try. I remember the first time I made this — my kitchen instantly smelled like a cozy Christmas cabin, and my family couldn’t stop asking when I’d make it again. It’s incredibly easy to put together, beautifully giftable, and creates that inviting seasonal atmosphere without any fuss. Trust me, once you try it, you’ll want this simmer pot going all throughout December!

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Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe is that it uses simple, natural ingredients that complement each other perfectly. When shopping, look for dried orange slices and whole spices to get the most vibrant scent and longest shelf life.

• Dried orange slices or orange peels: These add a fresh citrus note and look gorgeous layered in the jar.
• Cinnamon sticks: Essential for that warm, spicy base aroma everyone loves.
• Whole cloves: Potent and fragrant, they lend a subtle depth that spices up the mix.
• Allspice: Gives a lovely, sweet spice flavor that pairs beautifully with cinnamon and cloves.
• Fresh or dried rosemary or evergreen branches: I love adding these sprigs because they bring a woodsy, piney freshness reminiscent of a real Christmas tree.
• Whole star anise pods: Star-shaped and wonderfully aromatic, they add a hint of licorice-like sweetness.
• Cranberries or goji berries: These provide festive pops of color and a slight tartness that balances the spices.
• Optional spices (cardamom pods or pumpkin pie spice): For those wanting an extra fragrant or dessert-like touch.

Variations

I usually stick with the classic ingredients, but I love how flexible this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe is. Feel free to make it your own by swapping spices, adding different fruits, or adjusting for your home’s vibe.

• Adding apple slices and pumpkin pie spice: When I tried this in November, it gave a lovely autumnal twist that made the house smell like a cozy fall festival.
• Using lemon peels instead of orange: If you prefer a tangier citrus note, lemon peels brighten the scent beautifully.
• Mixing in vanilla extract or a vanilla bean: I once added a splash of vanilla to the simmering water for an extra layer of warmth and sweetness.
• Substituting fresh evergreens with dried herbs: If you don’t have access to fresh sprigs, dried rosemary or cedar work just fine and last longer in the jar.

How to Make Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe

Step 1: Layer Your Ingredients Thoughtfully

Start with the large, show-stopping pieces — the dried orange slices and cinnamon sticks — placing them neatly against the jar’s glass walls so they’re visible and create a beautiful base. Then add the whole cloves, star anise, and your choice of berries to add color and texture. Finally, tuck in the rosemary or evergreen sprigs, which fill the jar with that signature holiday greenery aroma. The layering helps your jar look as festive as it smells, making it perfect for gifting or display.

Step 2: Choose a Clear Jar That Shows Off Your Mix

I love using pint-sized clear glass jars with tight-fitting lids because they keep everything fresh and let the gorgeous mixture shine. You can find these jars at craft stores or online, and they make assembling and gifting this simmer pot a breeze. Plus, the recipient gets a beautiful keepsake jar once the simmer ingredients are used up.

Step 3: Add a Label with Instructions

This might sound simple, but it’s one of the most thoughtful touches you can add. Write out—or print—a little tag explaining how to use the simmer pot: “Pour contents into a large pot or slow cooker, add enough water to cover, and simmer on low. Keep an eye on water levels and add more as needed. Enjoy the cozy, natural aroma!” This helps whoever gets your jar feel confident and excited to try it.

Step 4: Finish with a Festive Touch

Wrap a bit of rustic twine or a colorful ribbon around the lid and tuck in a mini cinnamon stick, dried orange slice, or small pine sprig. These little extras not only make the jar look irresistible but also add to the sensory experience before they even open the jar.

How to Serve Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe

Garnishes

When I simmer this blend in the pot, I like to toss in a few additional fresh cinnamon sticks and an extra sprig of evergreen to freshen things up. Sometimes I even add a couple of fresh cranberries right before serving the aroma to the room—they burst with bright notes and look so festive.

Side Dishes

While this simmer pot is more about scent than flavor, it pairs wonderfully with holiday gatherings where you might have spiced cookies, warm cider, or mulled wine. It really sets the scene for cozy moments with loved ones snacking on sweet treats.

Creative Ways to Present

For holiday parties, I’ve filled multiple jars and placed them as charming table centerpieces lined with fairy lights. Another fun idea is gifting jars alongside a wooden spoon, specialty teas, or even a holiday playlist card for a full festive experience your friends and family will appreciate.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

If you have any leftover simmer pot mixture, I store it in a sealed container in the fridge for up to a week. Just add fresh water before reheating, and you’re good to go. It’s a great way to extend the life of those aromatic spices without losing any charm.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t really ideal for this recipe because the textures of the citrus and herbs change, and you might lose some of the vibrant aroma. I recommend making fresh batches as needed instead—it really takes just a few minutes, so no stress!

Reheating

When reheating your simmer pot, slow and low is your friend. Use a crockpot on the lowest setting or a stove burner on simmer, and add fresh water every few hours. This keeps the ingredients from drying out and allows the strands of festive aroma to slowly fill your home again and again.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

I honestly can’t recommend this Christmas Simmer Pot in a Jar Recipe enough for anyone wanting that perfect holiday atmosphere without the fuss. It’s a small, thoughtful touch that makes a big impact—whether you’re gifting it to friends or filling your own home with those signature Christmas scents. Give it a whirl, and I promise you’ll love how your space transforms with warmth, spice, and cheer. You’ll find yourself reaching for it year after year, just like I do.

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