Mulled Wine California Style - cooking recipe

Ingredients

2 qt. water (8 c.)
zest (peel) of 1 lemon
2 1/2 c. sugar
1 Tbsp. cardamom
2 cinnamon sticks, broken
lemon twists
2 tsp. whole cloves
1 (3 liter) jug California Burgundy
1 c. California brandy (optional)
cinnamon sticks (garnish)

Preparation

Combine everything but the wine, brandy and the garnish.
Boil, stirring, until sugar dissolves.
Simmer for 10 to 15 minutes; strain.
Add wine and brandy.
Bring to simmer over low heat. Ladle into heated mugs and add garnish.