There’s something about pineapple, citrus, coconut, and fresh mint that just smells like summer.

Simmer pots are often associated with fall and winter, but they don’t have to be filled with cinnamon sticks and cloves. A few fresh, tropical ingredients can create a lighter scent that feels much more at home on a warm summer day.

This Tropical Summer Simmer Pot Blend combines pineapple, orange, lime, coconut, and mint for a fresh, slightly sweet scent with just enough of that beachy feeling.

And the best part? You don’t necessarily need to use the good pieces of fruit. Pineapple peels, citrus ends, and a few mint sprigs are perfect for this.

Tropical Summer Simmer Pot Blend

You’ll Need

½ cup pineapple chunks, core, or clean pineapple peel
3–4 orange slices
3–4 lime slices
¼–½ cup unsweetened coconut flakes
2–3 sprigs fresh mint
3–4 cups water, plus more as needed

How to Make It

Add the pineapple, orange, lime, coconut, and mint to a small saucepan.  (If you’d rather keep it off the stovetop, you can also make simmer pot blends in a slow cooker with the lid removed or slightly ajar and temperature set on Low,  checking the water level regularly and adding more as needed.)

Pour in enough water to generously cover the ingredients.

Bring the water just to a gentle boil, then immediately reduce the heat to low and allow everything to simmer.

As the water warms, the pineapple and citrus create a bright, fruity scent, while the coconut adds a little sweetness and the mint keeps the combination fresh.

Check the pot regularly and add more water as it evaporates. Never allow a simmer pot to boil dry.

You can continue adding water and simmering the mixture as long as the scent remains pleasant.

Use What You Already Have

You don’t have to cut up an entire pineapple or orange just to make your house smell good.

Save the pieces that might otherwise be tossed.

Pineapple peel and core work beautifully. The last few orange or lime slices are perfect. Even mint that’s starting to look a little tired can still have plenty of fragrance left.

If you’re not ready to make a simmer pot right away, freeze those pieces for later.

That little collection of leftovers can eventually become an entire simmer pot without using anything you were planning to eat.

Gigi Says

This is exactly why I like keeping a Simmer Pot Freezer Bag.

Freeze fruit pieces individually on a tray first so they don’t turn into one big frozen clump. Once frozen, transfer them to your simmer pot freezer bag.

I keep herbs separate in small, labeled sandwich-size bags before placing them with the rest of my simmer-pot ingredients. Once herbs are frozen, they can start looking surprisingly similar, and keeping them separate also helps prevent their aromas from mingling.

When you’re ready for a simmer pot, simply pull out what you need.

Try a Few Tropical Variations

Once you’ve made the basic tropical blend, it’s easy to adjust it depending on what you have.

Use extra lime for a brighter citrus scent.

Add more pineapple for something a little sweeter.

Use a few extra mint leaves for a fresher combination.

Swap some of the orange for grapefruit if you have it.

You can also use dried citrus slices when fresh citrus isn’t available.

There really isn’t a need to measure everything perfectly. Simmer pots are one of those wonderfully forgiving little household routines—use what you have and adjust it until you find a combination you love.

A Quick Safety Reminder

Simmer pots contain very hot water and should always be kept safely out of reach of children and pets.

Never leave a simmer pot unattended, and check the water level regularly so the pot does not boil dry.

This blend uses ordinary food ingredients rather than essential oils. If you choose to add essential oils, extracts, or other botanicals to any simmer pot, first check that the specific ingredient and method of use are appropriate for everyone in your household, including pets.

Also remember that even food ingredients that are perfectly safe for people aren’t necessarily safe for pets to eat. Don’t allow children or animals access to the simmer pot or its contents.

A Little Bit of the Tropics at Home

You don’t need candles, sprays, or a special occasion to make the house smell a little fresher.

Sometimes it’s just pineapple peel that would have gone in the compost, a few citrus slices, some mint from the patio, and a handful of coconut simmering quietly on the stove.

Simple ingredients. Very little waste.

And a little bit of the tropics right at home.

Keep Smiling,

Gigi