Combine 8 allspice berries, 4 whole cloves, 2 star anise and 2 cinnamon sticks to create the mulling spices.
Add a few pear slices and the mulling spices to a saucepan.
Add 6 slices of ginger and the cranberries to the saucepan for the mulled wine.
Pour in the red wine and add the sugar to the holiday spiced wine mixture. Then heat to a slow simmer and continue to simmer for 30 minutes. Remove from heat and careful remove the spices with a slotted spoon. Stir in the brandy.
Ladle in thick wall glass mugs (like Irish Whisky mugs) and garnish with a long cinnamon stick. And enjoy.