Cut your apples into quarters and remove the stems and seeds (no need to completely core the apple). Cut your orange into quarters.

Add all of the apple and orange slices and spices to a 6 quart Crock Pot and cover with water (it should come almost to the brim of the crock pot), then turn it on low and let it cook for at least 12 hours and up to 20 hours. The longer it cooks, the deeper golden the color gets and the richer the flavor gets.

When the cider is finished cooking, remove the cinnamon sticks and the orange peels. Then, using the back of a ladle, large spoon, or potato masher, smash the apples up a little bit to release the juices – this will be really easy because the apples are already very soft and mushy.

Strain the apples through a fine mesh strainer lined with cheesecloth. Squeeze the cheesecloth to release any remaining juices. Add 1/3 cup brown sugar to the strained cider and taste (carefully, it will be hot!). Adjust sugar as desired. Add a splash of rum or bourbon if desired. Serve warm.