Mulled Wine Syrup

• 1 1/2 cups red wine of any variety
• 1/2 cup sugar
• 1 vanilla bean, split (not scraped)
• 2 whole star anise
• 1 teaspoon pink peppercorns

1. Combine the wine, sugar, vanilla bean, star anise, and peppercorns in a wide pot or skillet over medium-high heat, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
2. Bring to a boil, then decrease the heat to medium; cook until the liquid becomes syrupy and has reduced by about two-thirds, about 10 minutes.
3. Use a fine-mesh strainer to strain the syrup into a small container; discard the spices and let cool.
4. Use immediately or cover and refrigerate.
5. Use white wine instead of red, and use 1 vanilla bean and five or six 1/4-inch slices of fresh ginger.

red wine, sugar, vanilla bean, star anise, peppercorns

Taken from www.epicurious.com/recipes/food/views/mulled-wine-syrup-364909 (may not work)