Step 1

Tie the cloves and cinnamon sticks in cheesecloth to make a spice pouch. Core the apples and slice them into ¼-inch slices.

Step 2

Turn the Instant Pot on. Add the sliced apples, brown sugar, ginger, spice pouch, orange peels (if using), and water into the Instant Pot. Stir well. Close the lid and set the vent to Sealing mode. Pressure cook for 15 minutes at high pressure.

Step 3

Wait 10 minutes then release the pressure manually. Open the lid after the pin drops. Use a potato masher to stir and mash the apples.

Step 4

Strain this apple mix through a strainer into a separate bowl, using a spatula to push down the pulp.

Step 5

After you are done straining, strain the liquid once more, stirring lightly so the strainer holds back the pulp.

Step 6

Serve hot on its own in mugs garnished with a cinnamon stick or add a dash of bourbon or rum to make a hard apple cider. For entertaining, select the "keep warm" mode on the instant pot and serve it straight out of the pot. Enjoy!