Williams Sonoma Simmer Pot Recipe (Rosemary, Lemon and Vanilla)
Fill your home with a cozy, aromatic blend of fresh, woodsy rosemary, lemon, and sweetly warm vanilla, just like you would experience at Williams Sonoma. This Williams Sonoma-inspired signature simmer pot recipe is so easy that everyone can bring a little luxury-store magic into their own kitchen.
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Why does Williams Sonoma smell so good?
Ever wondered why Williams Sonoma always smells so amazing? Shoppers spent years trying to recreate that fresh, herby scent at home, and the lemon, rosemary, and vanilla combo became an internet favourite. Now you can use the Williams Sonoma formula to make your own space smell like the store, and it’s easy.
Why you will love this recipe
- It uses fresh, natural ingredients instead of ones you can’t pronounce.
- Enjoy the aromatherapy benefits of this relaxing fragrance blend.
- Simmer pots are perfect for cooler fall and winter weather. They give your space a warm and cozy vibe. Grab a blanket, a book, and a soothing cup of tea (try this apple core tea), and enjoy.
Ingredient notes
Find the complete ingredient list with measurements in the recipe card below.
- Lemons – In my experience, lemons that feel heavy and firm-ish have the most juice.
- Fresh Rosemary – OMG, the sharp, woodsy aroma of fresh rosemary is unbeatable. Always take a big, deep inhale of it before you start your simmer pot.
- Vanilla Extract – This adds a sweet, homey scent that balances the sharp aromas. There are many different types of vanilla you can use.
- Peppercorns – A sprinkling of whole peppercorns for an earthy yet floral note. These aren’t in the OG version and are optional.
Equipment
- Large Pot or Slow Cooker – For stovetop, you can use any size of pot, but the bigger the pot, the longer your simmer pot will last. After making many simmer pots over the years, I find a 3-quart (about 3-litre) pot is best. Any slow cooker or Crockpot works for this recipe.
Instructions
Scroll to the recipe card at the bottom for the FULL recipe details.
Stovetop method
Step 1
First, start by slicing your lemons.
My favorite tip for lemon slices is to roll the lemon on the counter before cutting into it. This releases the juices from the membranes and maximizes the fragrance.
Step 2
Then, add the ingredients to your pot and fill it three-quarters full of water. Give the mixture a quick stir.
Step 3
Next, bring the pot to a rolling boil over medium-high heat. Then reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for up to eight hours, adding more water as needed as it reduces.
EXPERT TIP! Using hot water from the kettle gets the scent going faster.
Step 4
Once you are finished with the pot, remove it from the stove and let it cool. Then, strain the ingredients and discard them.
SAFETY TIP! Never leave your simmer pot unattended, and always turn it off before you head to bed or leave the house. Keep an eye on the water level too, because letting it boil dry can scorch your pot or create a fire hazard.
Slow cooker method
Step 1
First, slice your lemons into rounds and add them to your slow cooker with the rosemary, vanilla, and peppercorns.
Step 2
Then, fill the slow cooker about three-quarters full with water.
Step 3
Set your slow cooker to high for about an hour, until the water is steaming and fragrant, then turn it down to low. Leave the lid off, or set it slightly ajar, so the scent can fill your space. Check the water every couple of hours and top it up as needed.
EXPERT TIP! The slow cooker loses water more slowly than the stovetop, so you won’t need to check on it nearly as often. Even so, never let it run dry, and turn it off before bed or when you leave the house.
Step 4
When you’re done for the day, turn it off, let it cool, then strain and discard the ingredients.
Substitutions and variations
- You could use essential oil instead of vanilla extract. I used 3-4 drops of Doterra vanilla oil, and it made a lovely, stronger vanilla simmer pot.
- A lemon basil simmer pot is also a nice variation and is easy to do by swapping in fresh basil leaves instead of rosemary (or in addition to!).
- For a supercharged citrus smell, use a variety of fresh fruits, such as oranges, grapefruits, and limes.
- Add a potpourri of warm spices such as cinnamon sticks, nutmeg, and star anise to this simmer pot for a festive holiday experience.
SAFETY TIP! If you swap in essential oils, keep your pets in mind, because heated oils release into the air, and some can harm cats and dogs, especially cats. If you have furry friends at home, stick with fresh ingredients, or check with your vet before using oils around them.
FAQS
Fill the pot three-quarters full, then check it every thirty minutes as it simmers, adding a cup or so of water to keep it from burning.
I generally leave it on for about eight hours (remembering to top up the water every half hour or so) and turn it off before bed. A great tip is to leave the pot with the last of the water on your counter after taking it off the stovetop. It will continue to scent the air, and you might still smell the aroma in the morning.
Yes! Once it’s cooled, cover the pot (or pour everything into a jar or large container), put it in the fridge, and reuse it for another 2 to 3 days. Just top it up with fresh water when you reheat it. If the scent has faded, the water looks cloudy, or it starts to smell off, it’s time to toss it and start fresh.
Use your slow cooker! See the slow cooker method above. You can also add a few drops each of rosemary, lemon, and vanilla essential oils to a diffuser, following your diffuser’s directions. Just skip the oils if you have pets.
More Simmer Pot Recipes
If you’ve tried this Williams Sonoma Signature-inspired simmer pot recipe, please rate it and let me know how it turned out by leaving a comment below. I’m always interested in feedback!
Be sure to follow me on social media! I love pinning to Pinterest, sharing on Facebook, and posting pics on Instagram. See you there. 🙂
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Williams Sonoma Simmer Pot
Ingredients
- 2 lemons
- 5 sprigs fresh rosemary
- 2 tsp vanilla
- ½ tsp whole peppercorns optional
Instructions
Stovetop Instructions
- Start by slicing the lemons into rounds.
- Add all of the ingredients to a large pot.
- Fill the pot three-quarters full with water.
- Place the pot over medium-high heat and bring to a quick boil. Reduce the heat to a low simmer.
- Let the pot simmer on the stovetop for up to eight hours. Check on it every thirty minutes and add more water as needed to prevent burning.
- Once you have finished with it, strain the ingredients and discard.
Slow Cooker Instructions
- Add everything to your slow cooker, fill it three-quarters full with water, heat on high until steaming, then reduce to low with the lid off. Top up with water as needed.