Basic Eastern North Carolina Barbecue Sauce

2 quarts apple-cider vinegar
1½ to 2 ounces crushed red pepper
2 to 4 whole cayenne, chili, or Tabasco peppers
2 tablespoons salt, or to taste
1 tablespoon lemon pepper, or to taste

Mix all ingredients well. Use as a basting and to season chopped barbecue to taste. Store in a tightly sealed container either with or without refrigeration.