Add the shredded red cabbage to a 16-oz (500 ml) glass jar.
Pour in the boiling water, red wine vinegar, sugar, and salt. Give it a good stir to help the sugar and salt dissolve. Alternatively, make the brine in a saucepan before adding it to the jar.
Add the bay leaf, cloves, and black peppercorns to the jar.
Close the jar with a lid and let it come to room temperature. Let it sit for at least 20 minutes before serving or preferably overnight.