Pour apple cider into a 3 1/2 quart crock pot. Add 4 or 5 cinnamon sticks. Punch holes in the orange with a toothpick and stick in whole cloves. You can add as many or few as you like. I usually just make several rings around the orange with the cloves.

Place the orange into the crock pot. Heat on low for about 4 or 5 hours. Remove orange and cinnamon sticks before serving. If using rum or bourbon just have guests add to their cup or glass how much they like and then add the mulled cider along with a cinnamon stick.

Makes 8 cups. This will keep for several days in the refrigerator and can be reheated in the microwave when you want to enjoy a cup. Your house will smell wonderful when this recipe is simmering in the crock pot.