Combine Ingredients:

In a large saucepan, combine the wine, orange slices, cloves, cinnamon sticks, star anise, and honey or sugar. If you're using it, add the brandy or rum as well.

Heat Gently:

Warm the mixture over low to medium heat. It's important to avoid letting it boil; you want to heat it gently to infuse the flavors without cooking off the alcohol. A good temperature range is around 130°F to 160°F (55°C to 70°C).

Simmer:

Allow the mixture to simmer gently for at least 15-20 minutes. The longer it simmers, the more pronounced the flavors will be. However, be cautious not to overheat or overcook, as this can affect the quality of the wine.

Taste and Adjust:

Taste the mulled wine and adjust the sweetness, if necessary. If it’s too sweet, you can add a bit more wine or some lemon juice to balance it out.

Strain and Serve:

Once the mulled wine has reached your desired flavor, strain it to remove the spices and orange slices. Serve it hot in mugs or heatproof glasses. Garnish with additional orange slices, lemon slices, or a fresh cinnamon stick if desired.

Keep Warm:

If not serving immediately, keep the mulled wine warm over very low heat or in a slow cooker set to a low heat setting.