If desired, rim your glass. On a small plate, mix the brown sugar, ginger, and cinnamon. Run an orange wedge around the rim of the glass and coat in sugar mix.
Fill your glass with ice.
In a cocktail shaker, mix the bourbon, orange juice, molasses, cinnamon, ginger, nutmeg, cloves, and maple/honey (if using). Add 1 candied ginger slice and shake. Strain into the prepared glass and top with ginger beer. Garnish with a cinnamon stick and star anise.
To Make A Mocktail: omit the bourbon/spiced rum. Use 2 ounces (¼ cup) spiced apple cider. A little vanilla is nice too!
