Wash the apples and orange. Quarter the apples, removing stems, core, and damaged spots. Peel the orange.
Add the apples, orange, cinnamon sticks, ground cloves, and sugar to the Instant Pot inner pot.
Add water, following your appliance's minimum liquid requirements and maximum fill line.
Select Slow Cook and follow your model's instructions. Cook for approximately 6–8 hours, or until the apples are very soft and the cider is flavorful. Check periodically and ensure the liquid reaches a safe simmer.
Gently mash the softened apples with a suitable heat-safe utensil.
Carefully strain through a fine-mesh strainer, gently pressing the fruit to release its juices.
Taste and add more sugar if desired. If the cider is too diluted, gently simmer it uncovered in an appropriate vessel to concentrate the flavor.
Serve warm, adding a teaspoon of brown sugar to an 8-ounce serving if desired.
