The Most Amazing Mulled Wine Ever!

I ripped a mulled wine recipe out of a Bon Appetit magazine. Of course I didn't follow directions. I served this at a Halloween party & received RAVE reviews. Nice & warm & deliciously spicy! I think I'll keep a batch warming in my crockpot from Halloween through New Years from now on! And you don't need to use expensive liquor in this recipe. ;)

• Ready In: 30 mins
• Serves: 16

Ingredients

• 1  cup sugar
• 1  cup water
• 10  cinnamon sticks
• 4  whole star anise
• 1  tablespoon whole cloves
• 2  teaspoons fennel seeds
• 2  teaspoons  whole  white peppercorns, cracked
• 2 (750 ml) bottles  bold red wine (Syrah, Zinfandel...)
• 2  cups  ruby port
• 2  cups brandy

Directions

1. Combine sugar, water & spices. Bring to a boil & simmer until sugar is dissolved, Set aside.
2. Combine wine, port & brandy in large crock pot. Add simple syrup with the spices. Stir.
3. Heat on high until hot then switch to low.
4. ENJOY.