There’s a reason simmer pots have made a comeback: they’re simple, beautiful, and they make a home feel warm and welcoming without needing candles or sprays. For herbal crafters, a Winter Simmer Jar is one of the best cold-weather projects because it’s shelf-stable, giftable, and easy to produce in batches.
This is the kind of handmade item that feels premium even when the ingredient list is humble.
What a simmer jar is
A simmer jar is a dry blend of citrus, spices, and herbs intended to be gently simmered in water. The gentle heat releases a cozy aroma that can make an ordinary afternoon feel like a holiday.
What you’ll make
A single jar makes 1–3 simmer sessions, depending on how long you let it go and how much water you add.
Ingredients (for one 16 oz jar)
Choose what you like, but here’s a reliable “smells-like-winter” core recipe:
6–8 dried orange slices (or clementine)
2–3 cinnamon sticks
1 tsp whole cloves
2–3 star anise (optional but wonderful)
2–3 bay leaves
1–2 tbsp dried cranberries (optional for color)
2–3 sprigs dried rosemary (or a pinch of dried rosemary needles)
Optional accents (use sparingly):
dried ginger slices
dried apple slices
a tiny pinch of dried lavender (a little goes a long way)
Tools and packaging
Clean, dry glass jar with lid (12–16 oz)
Labels or gift tags
Twine or ribbon
(Optional) small muslin bag for an “elegant sachet-in-jar” look
Assembly (batch-friendly)
Dry everything fully. Moisture is the enemy of shelf life.
Layer for beauty. Orange slices against the glass first, then cinnamon and star anise, then tuck herbs and berries into gaps.
Seal tightly. Add a label and tag.
Instruction tag (copy/paste)
How to Use Your Winter Simmer Jar
Pour contents into a saucepan. Add 4–6 cups of water. Simmer gently on low heat (do not boil dry). Add water as needed. Enjoy the aroma.
Storage and shelf life
If everything is fully dried and the jar is sealed, these store nicely for several months. Keep away from humidity and direct sunlight.
A flavorful twist: the “Kitchen-Ready” version
If your audience loves cooking, include a second tag:
“Save the rosemary and bay leaves for soup stock after simmering.”
(Practical, charming, and perfectly on-brand.)
Until next time...
I am...
Phil Wilson...
And, here’s to living an Herbal Lifestyle With You!