Instructions

1. Place the apple cider, peppercorns, one of the cinnamon sticks, the cloves, and the star anise in a medium saucepan.


2. Cut a large (1 × 4-inch) peel from the orange using a vegetable peeler and add it to the pan.


3. Bring the cider mixture to a boil, lower the heat, and simmer for 5 minutes.


4. Strain into a 4-cup glass measuring cup and discard the solids.


5. Pour the hot cider into mugs or heatproof glasses.


6. Add 2 tablespoons bourbon, if using, to each mug.


7. Cut the orange in half through the stem, slice crosswise in ¼-inch-thick half-rounds, and add one slice to each mug.


8. Cut the apple in half through the stem, remove the core, slice crosswise in ¼-inch-thick half-rounds, and add one slice to each glass.


9. Serve hot with a cinnamon stick in each glass for stirring.