Heat water with sugar in a saucepan until all the sugar is dissolved. Open the cardamom pods and lightly break the small black kernels (e.g. in a mortar).
Add all the spices to the sugar water, bring to the boil once and then allow to cool, preferably overnight. Strain the finished spice syrup and pour it into a bottle.
For mulled wine, heat a bottle of red wine (do not boil) and add a good dash of syrup to taste. For Glögg, add almond sticks and raisins to the glass (if you like, you can also add a shot of vodka).