Pour the red wine into a large saucepan and place over low heat, watching as it begins to warm gently with no signs of boiling.
Add the cinnamon sticks, whole cloves, star anise, orange slices, and ginger slices to the wine. Stir gently with a wooden spoon to combine the aromas.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer—small bubbles should form around the edges—then reduce the heat to very low.
Allow the wine to simmer slowly for 20-30 minutes, stirring occasionally, until fragrant and heated through—avoid boiling to preserve the alcohol and delicate flavors.
Taste the mulled wine and add honey or sugar to sweeten, stirring until dissolved. Adjust spice levels if needed by adding more citrus or spices.
Remove the saucepan from heat and strain the mulled wine through a fine sieve into a heatproof jug, discarding the spice solids and citrus slices.
Pour the warm, clear mulled wine into mugs or glasses, garnishing each with a cinnamon stick or a twist of citrus if desired.
Enjoy immediately while steaming hot, with its inviting aroma filling the room and a cozy warmth in every sip.