I'll confess I've always much preferred my mulled wine with the addition of liqueurs, since they add another element to the flavour profile (in this case cherries, orange and almonds) and they ramp up the feeling of a boozy hug in a mug. However, you could reduce the amount of liqueurs - try 1/2 or even 1/4 of the quantities listed or leave them out altogether should you be after a simpler affair. Don't forget to reduce the water accordingly too.