Step 1

Use a vegetable peeler and peel off 3 large strips of the outer rind of the orange. Do your best to avoid digging into the pith as it is very bitter. Set aside.

Step 2

Add the apple cider, brown sugar, lemon juice, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice, star anise, and orange peels to a saucepan over medium-high heat.

Step 3

Allow the mixture to come to a simmer. The cider can be used immediately after it reaches a simmer, or you can reduce the heat to maintain a gentle simmer and cook for up to 30 minutes more.

Step 4

Remove the spices and discard, if desired.

Step 5

Add the rum to the mulled cider, stir and serve in mugs or coffee cups.

Step 6

If using the ginger liqueur as well, you might want to consider using half the amount of rum so your cider won't be quite so boozy!

Step 7

Add 1 ounce of spiced rum, a 1/2 ounce of ginger liqueur, and a scant half-cup (about 4 ounces) of apple cider to a mug or coffee cup. Stir and enjoy!