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This strawberry and mint simmer pot recipe wraps your home in the scent of warm sunshine, fresh-picked herbs, and old-fashioned sweetness, like a kitchen garden in bloom.

When I was little, my Mama Nub kept a patch of fresh mint leaves growing right near the front steps — wild, fragrant, and always full of life.

She had rows of strawberries, little pots of fresh flowers, and the kind of aromatic scents that made her yard feel like a blooming cottage garden. I’d run barefoot through it on my way to the strawberry mounds, brushing past the mint and catching that clean scent on my feet and hands.

That unforgettable smell of her kitchen — sweet strawberries, vanilla, and fresh mint from the front porch — wrapped the whole house in comfort. Fresh fruits, warm vanilla, and just a hint of mint would drift through the window as she worked, like a natural version of stovetop potpourri.

This Strawberry and Mint Summer Simmer Pot recipe brings it all back — a natural way to scent your home using simple ingredients and a low simmer that gently fills your space with a wonderful aroma.

It’s something I treasure deeply, and I’m so thankful to share it with you, my fellow cottage kindred spirits. If this simmer pot recipe stirs up a memory of your own, I’d love for you to share it in the comments below. I hope you get to try this simmer pot recipe soon!

Why You’ll Love This Simmer Pot

• Only 3 Simple Ingredients – Fresh mint leaves, sweet strawberries, and a touch of vanilla bean paste — that’s it. No synthetic air fresheners, no fuss, just the real beauty of summer in a pot made with natural ingredients.
• Naturally Clean, Inviting Scent – This simmering pot fills your home with a soft, sweet scent that smells like strawberry shortcake and garden-fresh herbs. It’s a natural solution to create a cozy home smell using aromatic herbs and common ingredients you probably already have.
• A Cozy Slow Living Tradition in the Making – Simmer pots are a great way to slow down and savor the moment. This one is easy enough for everyday use but special enough to become a seasonal ritual — one of those small steps that turns an ordinary day into something meaningful.
• Makes a Thoughtful Handmade Gift – With dry ingredients like dried mint leaves, freeze-dried strawberries, and a single vanilla bean, this simmer pot becomes a beautiful cottage-style gift. Add a handwritten tag and a ribbon, and it’s the perfect way to share a little joy for special occasions like Mother’s Day, baby showers, or holiday gifting. It’s a great gift made from the heart — one your loved ones can simmer in a small pot and enjoy for hours.

Ingredients You Will Need

• Fresh Strawberries – Adds a naturally sweet, fruity scent that fills your kitchen with the smell of sun-warmed berry fields.
• Fresh Mint Leaves – Brings a bright, herbal freshness that pairs beautifully with strawberries and keeps the scent feeling clean.
• Vanilla Bean Paste (or Vanilla Pod or Vanilla Extract) – Adds a warm, cozy note that rounds out the simmer pot with a hint of creamy sweetness.
• Water – You’ll need 4 to 6 cups, depending on your pot size — it’s what carries the scent gently through the air as it simmers.

Creative Twists & Variations

• Strawberry Lemon Mint Breeze – Add a few slices of lemon for a zesty citrus note that brightens up the whole simmer.
• Vanilla Rose Garden – Toss in a tablespoon of dried rose petals for a soft, floral scent that feels like an old-fashioned garden walk.
• Berry Custard Dream – Use strawberry extract or syrup alongside the vanilla for a dessert-like aroma — sweet and creamy.
• Slow Simmered Summer Tea – Add a black or green tea bag for a gentle, earthy layer — it smells like sun tea on the porch.
• Autumn Garden Swap – Trade the strawberries for apple slices and a cinnamon stick for a fall version of this cozy simmer.
• Sweet Little Gift Jar – Layer dried strawberries, mint, and a vanilla pod in a small jar. Add a tag and you’ve got a thoughtful, homemade gift.

Tools You May Need

• 6-Quart Cast Iron Enamel Pot – This is what I used, and it holds heat beautifully for a slow, steady simmer.
• Stock Pot or Crock Pot – Any stovetop-safe pot works well, or you can use a slow cooker set to low for a hands-off version.
• Cutting Board and Knife – Just for slicing the strawberries and mint — simple tools for a simple ritual.

How to Make a Strawberry & Mint Summer Simmer Pot

Step 1: Slice your ingredients

Slice 3–5 fresh strawberries and gently tear or chop a small handful of fresh mint leaves. If using a vanilla bean, split it open to release the scent.

Step 2: Fill your pot with water

Pour 4 to 6 cups of water into a medium to large pot, depending on its size. Make sure there’s enough to cover your ingredients and allow for some gentle simmering.

Step 3: Add everything to the pot

Drop in the strawberries, mint, and your choice of vanilla — either a spoonful of paste, a split vanilla bean, or a splash of extract.

Step 4: Simmer low and slow

Place the pot on the stove over low heat and let it come to a soft simmer. Keep the heat low to avoid boiling, and enjoy the aroma as it fills your home.

Step 5: Top off as needed

Check on your simmer pot occasionally and add more water if needed to keep the ingredients covered. You can enjoy the scent for several hours this way!

Slow Cooker Version: If you’d rather not keep the stove on, you can make this simmer pot in a small slow cooker. Just add all your ingredients and set it to low with the lid off. It will gently warm and release the scent all day long — perfect for slow summer mornings or hosting guests.

Tips for Best Results

• Start with fresh ingredients – Fresh strawberries and mint release the best scent and give your simmer pot that garden-picked feeling.
• Use low heat only – A gentle simmer is all you need. Boiling too hard will cook off the scent too quickly.
• Leave the lid off – Let the fragrance float freely through your home by simmering with the lid off the pot.
• Add water as needed – Check every so often and top off the water to keep your pot from drying out.
• Reuse it once or twice – You can reheat the same simmer pot within 24–48 hours. Just store it in the fridge overnight and add fresh water before simmering again.

Storage Tips

• Let it cool completely – After simmering, let the mixture cool to room temperature before storing.
• Store in the fridge – Pour leftovers (liquid and solids) into a jar or covered container and refrigerate for up to 2 days.
• Refresh before reusing – When you’re ready to enjoy it again, add fresh water and reheat gently on the stove or in a slow cooker.

Strawberry & Mint Simmer Pot FAQs

Can I use dried ingredients instead of fresh?

Yes! Dried strawberries, mint leaves, and even a dried vanilla bean work beautifully. Just use about half the amount you’d use if they were fresh.

How long should I let a simmer pot run?

You can let it gently simmer for 1–3 hours. Just keep the heat low and check the water level from time to time.

Can I reuse the simmer pot ingredients?

Absolutely — just store the cooled mixture in the fridge overnight and reheat it the next day with a little fresh water.

What size pot should I use?

A medium-sized pot (like a 4–6 quart stock pot or Dutch oven) works best. You can also use a small slow cooker on low heat.

Can I use essential oils or extracts instead?

Yes — if you’re short on fresh ingredients, a drop or two of peppermint essential oil or a splash of strawberry and vanilla extract can create a lovely aroma. Just add them once the water is warm, and always use a light hand — a little goes a long way.

More Cozy DIYs & Tutorials From The Cottage;

• Cozy DIY Beeswax Candles in Thrifted Vintage Glass Jars
• Natural Deodorant Recipe with Lavender & Lemongrass
• Dried Orange Garland
• Fire Starters Step by Step

If you made this Strawberry & Mint Summer Simmer Pot and loved it, I’d be so grateful if you came back and gave it a five-star ⭐️ rating.

Please tag me on Instagram @themoderndaycottage — I truly love seeing your cozy creations.

I read every note, and your presence here means more than you know. This little corner of the internet wouldn’t be the same without you.

With Love and Gratitude,

Emily