In a small pot, add all ingredients except for the jalapeños. Bring the pot to a quick boil, then lower the heat to simmer the mix for 5 minutes.
Add the jalapeño pepper rings and simmer for 5 additional minutes.
Scoop the jalapeños out of the liquid and place them evenly across two pint-sized canning jars. Top the jars with the sugar-vinegar, leaving 1/4 inch of head space in each jar. Cover with airtight lids.
Place the jars in a large pot and fill the pot with hot water. Cover the two pint jars by two inches.
Turn the range heat to high and bring the hot water bath to a boil, then allow the jars to sit in the bath for 10 minutes.
Carefully remove the jars from the hot water bath and set them to the side to cool. Refrigerate the candied jalapeños once the jars reach room temperature.
Eat once chilled, or for best flavor allow the cowboy candy to sit at least overnight.