Cherry Cola Ribs

 Ingredients:

For the Ribs:

  • 2 racks of baby back ribs
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste
  • 1 tablespoon garlic powder
  • 1 tablespoon onion powder
  • 1 tablespoon paprika
  • 1 tablespoon brown sugar

For the Cherry Cola Glaze:

  • 2 cups cherry cola soda
  • 1 cup ketchup
  • 1/2 cup cherry preserves
  • 1/4 cup apple cider vinegar
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground mustard
  • 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your spice preference)
  • Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

Preparing the Ribs:

  1. Remove the Membrane:

    • Turn the ribs over so that the bone side is facing up.
    • Use a butter knife or your fingers to gently lift and loosen the membrane that covers the back of the ribs.
    • Once you have a good grip on the membrane, pull it off completely. This step helps the ribs become more tender and allows the flavors to penetrate.

  2. Season the Ribs:

    • In a small bowl, combine the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and brown sugar to create a rub.
    • Season both sides of the ribs generously with the rub. Make sure to massage it into the meat for even flavor distribution.

Cooking the Ribs:

  1. Preheat the Grill:

    • Preheat your grill to medium heat, around 325-350°F (163-177°C). Set it up for indirect grilling.

  2. Grill the Ribs:

    • Place the seasoned ribs, bone side down, on the grill grates away from direct heat.
    • Close the grill lid and cook for about 2 to 2.5 hours. You can add wood chips for a smoky flavor, if desired.

Making the Cherry Cola Glaze:

  1. Prepare the Glaze:

    • While the ribs are cooking, you can prepare the cherry cola glaze. In a saucepan, combine the cherry cola soda, ketchup, cherry preserves, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, ground mustard, cayenne pepper, salt, and black pepper.

  2. Simmer the Glaze:

    • Bring the glaze mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, stirring constantly.
    • Reduce the heat to low and simmer for about 20-25 minutes, or until the glaze has thickened and reduced by half. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Glazing and Finishing the Ribs:

  1. Brush with Glaze:

    • During the last 30 minutes of cooking, brush the ribs generously with the cherry cola glaze. Make sure to do this several times to build up a flavorful glaze.

  2. Check for Doneness:

    • Check the ribs for doneness by gently bending a bone. If it starts to crack, and the meat pulls away from the bone, they are ready.

  3. Rest and Slice:

    • Remove the ribs from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes.
    • Slice the ribs between the bones and serve hot, with extra glaze on the side.

These Cherry Cola Ribs are sure to be a hit at your next barbecue gathering. The sweet and tangy glaze adds a unique twist to traditional ribs, making them a flavorful and memorable dish. Enjoy!

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