6 Simmer Pot Recipes That’ll Make Your Home Smell Like Summer

The connection between scents, emotions, and memories is so powerful and something you can utilize to set the mood when having people over. I love hosting, especially in the summertime, and always want my friends and family to feel welcomed and at home when they stop by. That’s why I love to put on a summer simmer pot. It’s a natural, cheap way to infuse your home with a nice smell that’ll have your guests reminiscing over their favorite summer memories.  

Here are six summer simmer pot recipes you should try. For each, start with a base of eight cups of water in a pot and let it simmer before adding your ingredients.

This recipe is inspired by that glorious aroma found in most Williams Sonoma stores — you know the one! This blend is a perfect staple to have simmering away, regardless of whether guests are set to arrive or not. Rosemary is rich in antioxidants and has anti-inflammatory compounds, which help to improve your immune system and blood circulation. 

• 2 sliced lemons
• A bunch of fresh or dried rosemary
• A tablespoon of vanilla extract

Mint and lime will leave you feeling energized and your home feeling fresh. The ingredients in this mix are also immune fighting, with the mint great if you suffer from allergies. If you’re looking for an energy boost and refresh, this is the perfect concoction to boil up. 

• 6 sprigs of mint
• Two sliced limes
• 3-inch piece of ginger, sliced

This one is my favorite calming blend. The lavender scent is known for its calming and anxiety-reducing abilities while the citrus of the grapefruit helps to balance the mood and ensures it doesn’t make you too relaxed that you fall asleep.

• A sliced grapefruit
• A bunch of fresh or dried lavender
• Dash of vanilla extract

A friend recently hosted a citrus-themed bridal shower, and the whole place smelled like a summer garden party. I left with plenty of oranges, tangelos, and lemons and was so excited to recreate that sunny, happy scent at home. The tangelo adds a sweet, almost floral twist to the familiar citrus fruits, creating a zesty, vibrant aroma that feels like pure sunshine. It’s perfect for lifting your mood on warm days or whenever your space needs a little brightness.

• A sliced orange
• A sliced tangelo
• A sliced lemon
• A few sprigs of fresh mint

A gentle reminder to not throw out your dried or dead flowers — their fragrance remains strong and makes them perfect for simmer pots. The roses provide a deep, sweet floral fragrance while the rosemary adds a fresh, slightly piney herbal note that complements perfectly. This simmer pot is ideal for relaxing afternoons and setting a calming mood in your home.

• A handful of fresh or dried rose petals
• A few sprigs of fresh rosemary

A bright and cheerful combination that reminds you of all the brighter days ahead. The smell of lemongrass adds a crisp, citrusy fragrance, while the daisy brings a soft, sweet, and modest floral scent. This blend is perfect for creating a happy and uplifting environment, making your home feel like a summer garden in full bloom.

• A few stalks of fresh lemongrass (or a few drops of lemongrass essential oil)
• A handful of fresh or dried daisy petals

These blends can last between a few hours to a few days — as long as you continue adding water to the simmering pot every one to two hours. It will also add moisture back into the air, which is especially important in summer as air conditioners create a dry environment. 

The best part is there are no set rules when creating simmer pot recipes. Play around and have fun with the ingredients you have on hand to create your perfect summer blend.