Apple-Pie Spiced Cider

I made this delicious spiced cider recently as part of a holiday supper.  It's a Martha Stewart recipe and has good reviews and a video you can watch.  It's quick and easy, and you can spike it with apple brandy if you want, or not.  My only change was to reduce the sugar a bit, because apple cider is about as sugary as it gets.  This smells great as it's heating up, and is a perfect winter drink.  I was wondering what the difference is between apple juice and apple cider, so I looked it up.  Apple cider is less filtered and can sometimes appear to be cloudy, which is fine.  Apple juice has a longer shelf life.  I think either one would be fine here, but I like things that are less processed and the cider was available.
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APPLE-PIE SPICED CIDER

Serves 6

INGREDIENTS
1.25 quarts apple cider (I used 1.6 quart or 1.5 liter)
2 Tablespoons firmly packed light-brown sugar (or regular brown sugar)
1 whole cinnamon stick, plus 6 sticks for garnish
1 teaspoon ground allspice
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
pinch of ground cloves  (1/16th teaspoon)
pinch of freshly grated nutmeg (1/16th teaspoon)
1/8 teaspoon fine sea salt
1/2 cup Calvados (French apple brandy) or other brandy (optional)

DIRECTIONS
In a medium saucepan, whisk together cider, sugar, spices and salt.
Bring to a simmer over medium-low heat.
Remove from heat.
If desired, pour in brandy.
Strain into a pitcher, and discard solids.
Serve in mugs, garnished with cinnamon sticks.