You can make this mulled apple cider up to two days ahead. Once it’s cooled, just transfer to a large glass pitcher. On the day that you’re going to serve, pour it into a pot, and heat it up again.
In a sauce pot or Dutch oven, combine the apple juice, ginger, cinnamon sticks, vanilla, cloves, and sugar. Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat and simmer, uncovered, for 20 minutes. Turn off the heat.
Remove the ginger, cinnamon, and fish out as many of the cloves as you can. This is the point where you would store it away, if you’re not planning to serve it right now.
For a non-spiked version, just ladle your hot, mulled apple cider into mugs and serve. Serve with a cinnamon stick and apple slices.
For a spiked version, pour ½ ounce of the orange liqueur and 1 ounce of the white whiskey into a mug, then top off with the cider. Serve with a cinnamon stick and apple slices.
Notes
Nutrition information is for unspiked mulled apple cider with no sugar added. The spiked version will vary, depending on what booze you choose and how much sugar you choose to add.