Red Sangria with Herbs and Citrus

Name: Red Sangria with Herbs and Citrus
Ingredients: ¾ cup sugar; 10 sprigs thyme; ⅓ cup rosemary leaves; 2 limes, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed; 2 medium oranges, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed, plus more slices for serving; 2 lemons, halved lengthwise, thinly sliced crosswise, seeds removed, plus more slices for serving; 10 sprigs mint, plus more for serving; 4 star anise pods, plus more; 1½ cups brandy; ¼ cup orange liqueur (such as Pierre Ferrand dry Curaçao); 2 tablespoons sweet vermouth; 2 750-ml bottles chilled fruit-forward red wine (such as grenache or tempranillo)