How to Make Liquid Cinnamon Potpourri

Few smells provide more comfort than the scent of homemade potpourri. Making liquid potpourri is one way to fill your house with these great fragrances, and the task isn't as difficult as you might think. With a few simple ingredients, you can be simmering your own liquid cinnamon potpourri in no time.

Things You'll Need

• Medium saucepan
• 4 cinnamon sticks
• 3 bay leaves
• 1/3 cup whole cloves
• 1/2 lemon, thinly sliced
• 1 tbsp. orange zest
• 1/2 tsp. ground nutmeg
• 1 quart water

Instructions

1. Determine what ingredients you would like to fill your potpourri mixture. Cinnamon potpourris are often made with cloves, nutmeg, allspice and lemon, but you can use whatever spices you like to complement the cinnamon. For a traditional, medium saucepan-sized batch of potpourri, gather the ingredients listed under "Things You'll Need." If you are making the potpourri ahead of time to cook later, use dried lemon and orange peel in place of the fresh lemon and orange zest.

2. Place the dry ingredients in a saucepan and add the water. Heat the mixture on medium heat until boiling. Once it boils, reduce the heat setting to low and allow the mixture to simmer. Do not let it get too hot or fully boiling after the initial boil; keep it at a constant low heat. You can also place smaller amounts place in potpourri warmers or above tealight candles to keep the potpourri on low heat.

3. Maintain the mixture. Since liquid cinnamon potpourri will evaporate, check back often to ensure the water level is sufficient. Throughout the day, add more water as necessary. After the ingredients have lost much of their fragrance, replace with fresh ingredients and water.

Tips & Warnings

• To make an easier version of liquid cinnamon potpourri, purchase a bottle of cinnamon essential oil. Bring 1 cup water almost to a boil on the stove; add 10 to 20 drops of the cinnamon essential oil and another cup of water. While still hot, add four packets of unflavored gelatin. Pour the mixture into clean baby food jars, other small jars or tart-shaped holders. Allow them to cool overnight. Once the mixture is cooled, you can melt it in a potpourri burner or place the jar on the stovetop while cooking, though not on a burner. To make edible potpourri, consider using apple cider instead of water as the basis for the liquid cinnamon potpourri. Omit the bay leaves and drink the potpourri as desired.

References

• Easy and Inexpensive Recipes to Make Your Own Fresh-Scented Simmering Potpourri
• How to Make Your Own Liquid Potpourri and Other Good Stuff