Pour the apple cider or unfiltered apple juice into a large saucepan or slow cooker. Prepare the orange, spices, and optional ginger so they can be added together.

Add the orange, cinnamon sticks, cloves, allspice berries, star-anise pods, nutmeg, and ginger to the cider. For easier cleanup, place the cloves and allspice in a spice bag or tie them in cheesecloth.

Heat the cider over medium heat until it is steaming and just beginning to simmer. Do not let it boil, because vigorous boiling can make the flavor harsh and reduce the cider's fresh apple character.

Reduce the heat to low, partially cover the saucepan, and steep gently for 30 minutes. If using a slow cooker, cook on LOW for 2–3 hours instead.

Taste the cider carefully and add the brown sugar or maple syrup only if the cider is not sweet enough. Stir until the sweetener dissolves completely.

Strain out the spices and orange before ladling the cider into mugs. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick, fresh orange slice, or optional whipped cream.