Measure and place all your spices in a bowl. You can leave out or reduce the black peppercorns. Please, adjust the spices to your liking.

Peel and slice the ginger into thick slices.

OPTIONAL - Place the spices (except for the cinnamon) in a metal spice infuser or cheesecloth pouch. This is not needed, but just an optional step.

Peel ½ a lemon to get the zest for the cider. Take care not to include the pith as this can make the cider bitter.

Repeat with the orange to get the zest.

Next, carefully cut away the white pith until only the orange segments are visible. Set aside.

Place the apple cider, lemon zest, orange zest, orange segments, and the spices (including the cinnamon sticks) in a large pot.

Heat over medium high heat and bring the apple cider to a simmer. Stir frequently.

When the apple cider starts to boil, cover the pot with a lid and lower the heat until the cider is barely simmering.

Let it simmer for about 20 - 30 minutes. Check on it periodically to make sure it's not boiling and is still barely simmering. Adjust the heat as you go.

Once the cider has simmered for about 20 - 30 minutes, let it cool down slightly until it can be handled.

Before serving (while the cider is simmering or cooling down), slice some oranges, and apples for decoration and garnish.

Strain the cider to remove the spices, zest, and orange segments. Do not squeeze the orange segments.

Stir in the maple syrup to sweeten the apple cider to your liking. Add a little at a time and taste until it's sweet to your liking.

Add the gold rum (or alternative) while the apple cider is warm. Stir to mix.

You can also add non -alcoholic rum or whiskey instead, or rum extract.

Place slices of oranges and apples in mugs or glasses.

Pour the warm spiced apple cider in each of the glasses and top with cinnamon sticks or a stirrer.

OPTIONAL - Top the cider with the whipped cream, and garnish with apple slices and cinnamon stick.

Make this just before you serve the apple cider, as whipped cream is not stable on its own.

In a bowl, place the chilled whipped cream, vanilla, salt, brown sugar, and cinnamon.

Whisk on medium or medium high speed until you have soft peaks.

Use immediately.