To Make the Mix:

1. In a pint-sized mason jar, layer the sugar, chopped candied citrus peel, cinnamon sticks, bay leaves, cloves, nutmeg, vanilla pod, and whole star anise.
2. Seal the jar and gift with 2 bottles of dry red wine and a small bottle of orange juice.
3. If you opt to skip the candied citrus peel, you can include an orange, a lemon, and a lime with your gift presentation instead.

To Make the Mulled Wine (with Candied Citrus Peel):

1. Halve the vanilla bean pod lengthwise.
2. In a large saucepan, combine the orange juice with the mulled wine mix and vanilla pod, and place over medium heat. Add just enough red wine to cover the sugar mixture.
3. Simmer gently until the sugar dissolves completely, stirring occasionally. Raise the heat to medium-high and bring to a boil. Keep your mix at a rolling boil for about 4-5 minutes, stirring frequently until it’s thickened and syrupy.
4. When thickened, turn the heat down to low, and add the remainder of the wine. Heat gently for about 5 minutes, then ladle into glasses and serve. Don’t boil the wine in this step, as you’ll burn off the alcohol.

To Make the Mulled Wine (Without Candied Citrus Peel):

1. Peel half of the lemon, half of the lime, and the entire orange. Remove as much pith from the peeled pieces as possible.
2. Follow the instructions above, adding the citrus peels to the saucepan along with the other ingredients.