Thinly slice onion. Slice serrano pepper. Smash and peel garlic. Add onion, serrano, and garlic to glass jar or other nonreactive container.
Place pot or saucepan over medium-high to high heat on stovetop. Add vinegar, sugar, and salt. Bring brine to a boil, stirring occasionally to dissolve salt and sugar.
Remove brine from the stove and pour over the onion in the glass jar or container.
Let cool for 30 minutes before serving or adding lid and transferring to fridge.
