With cold weather comes a lot more time spent inside of our homes. For many of us looking to make them feel warmer and more inviting, one of the most delightful and low-effort ways is with a simmer pot (a fragrant pot of water gently heated on the stove to fill your kitchen (and beyond) with whatever scent your heart desires).

Simmer pots are traditionally made with spices, citrus, herbs and, you guessed it- tea! With the wide variety of herbal and flavored blends available (including chai, fruit-forward, and dessert-inspired teas) you can create simmer pots that turn your home into your own private oasis.

Below, we'll explore how to make simmer pots using tea and offer some inspiring combinations featuring some of our most aromatic blends.

What Is a Simmer Pot (and Why Tea Works So Well)

A simmer pot is simple: you place water and aromatic ingredients in a pot, heat it gently on the stove, and let the steam carry fragrance throughout your home. Unlike candles or sprays, simmer pots use natural ingredients and create a layered scent that shifts and deepens as it warms.

Tea adds:
Complex flavor notes: rich spices, fruit essences, and herbal tones

Warm depth: teas like chai and spiced blends bring cozy, kitchen-like comfort

Visual appeal: tea leaves and herbs look beautiful as they steep in simmer water

Using tea in simmer pots is a great way to stretch your collection, especially herbal and flavored blends that may be past their peak for drinking but still full of aromatic goodness.

How to Make a Tea Simmer Pot (The Basics)

You'll need:
– A saucepan or pot
– Water (2–4 cups to start)
– Tea blends and aromatic extras (see ideas below)

Steps:
1. Fill your pot with water. Start with 2–4 cups, depending on how strong you want the scent.

2. Add tea and extras. Use 1–3 tablespoons of loose tea. You can even add complementary spices, fruit peels, or fresh herbs if you really want to intensify the scent.

3. Heat gently. Bring to a simmer, then reduce to low.

4. Refresh as needed. When the water level drops or the scent fades, add more water and heat again.

Tea Simmer Pot Ideas & Recipes

Here are five easy ideas featuring Adagio teas that are especially suited for simmer pots. Each pairing includes complementary additions to enhance the aroma.

1. Cozy Chai Warmth

Tea base: Raja Oolong Chai Tea
Extras: cinnamon sticks, orange peel, star anise
This blend already carries rich spices and creamy notes. When simmered with citrus peel and whole spices, it fills the room with a cozy, spice-market warmth. Perfect for winding down in the evening.

2. Spiced Apple Orchard

Tea base: Spiced Apple Chai Tea
Extras: fresh apple slices, a couple of cloves, a pinch of nutmeg
Think crisp winter apples and glowing hearths. The spiced apple tea brings a sweet, orchard-like aroma that pairs beautifully with fresh apple and classic spices. It's like baking without the oven!

3. Winter Citrus & Pomegranate

Tea base: Pomegranate Grove
Extras: orange peel, a few rosemary sprigs
Pomegranate Grove offers bright, fruity notes that bloom when simmered. Add citrus peel and rosemary for a festive but not holiday-specific aroma. This combo is fresh, uplifting, and perfect for winter mornings (but could work any other time of year, too!).

4. Sweet Dessert Kitchen

Tea base: Caramel Creme Brulee Tea
Extras: vanilla bean, a cinnamon stick
Want your home to smell like dessert? This blend's creamy caramel notes are ideal for simmer pots. Adding vanilla and cinnamon deepens the warmth and draws a cozy sweetness through every room.

5. Classic Comfort Blend

Tea base: Christmas Tea
Extras: lemon peel, cloves, a dash of allspice
Even outside of the holiday season, Christmas Tea's blend of spices and citrus notes makes a fantastic simmer pot base. Enhanced with lemon peel and classic whole spices, it offers rich, layered complexity that fills the air with intoxicatingly delicious scents.

Mixing & Matching Tips

Simmer pots are wonderfully flexible, so feel free to experiment! Here are a few guidelines to help you improvise:

Balance sweet with bright: Rich, spiced teas pair well with citrus peels to cut through sweetness.

Fresh versus dried: Fresh peels and herbs give a more immediate scent, while dried spices add depth over time.

Don't overcrowd: Too many ingredients can muddle the aroma. Start simple and build from there.

How to Maintain Your Simmer Pot

To keep the smell strong:
Keep the heat low and slow: you want steam, not boiling water.

Refill with water every hour or so, especially if you're simmering for long periods.

Refresh with fresh tea or spices if the scent fades.
If you'll be out of the house, you can turn off the heat and restart later. The beauty of simmer pots is how easily they pick back up.

Simmer Pot Safety & Practical Notes

- Never leave a simmer pot unattended for long periods.

- Keep an eye on water levels so the pot doesn't dry out.

- If your pot sits on an easy-to-spill spot (like a small burner), use coasters or tea towels to protect your counters.
These simple safety steps ensure that you get only the best your fragrant simmer pot has to offer.

Simmer Pots Add Comfort

Simmer pots are a great way to slow down, savor the moment, and mark the changing seasons. Using tea in simmer pots gives that experience another sensory layer, connecting what you smell with what you sip.

Whether you're unwinding after a long day, doing Sunday housework, or welcoming guests, a tea simmer pot adds warmth, richness, and a gentle reminder that comfort can be simple and intentional.