SWEET COLA BBQ BEEF RIBS

Sweet Cola BBQ Beef Ribs image

Yield serves 4 to 6

Number Of Ingredients 18

SWEET CHERRY-COLA RUB
3 tablespoons light-brown sugar
3 tablespoons paprika
3 tablespoons kosher salt
2 tablespoons onion powder
1 tablespoon garlic powder
1 tablespoon freshly ground black pepper
2 slabs beef spare ribs (about 8 pounds total)
2 cups sweet cherry-cola BBQ sauce (recipe follows)
SWEET CHERRY-COLA BBQ SAUCE
1 1/2 cups ketchup
One 12-ounce can cherry cola
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons light-brown sugar
2 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon sweet cherry-cola rub
(makes about 2 cups)

Steps:

To make the rub: Whisk together the first six ingredients in a small bowl. Reserve 1 tablespoon of the seasoning for the sauce that will finish the dish.
Rinse the ribs in cold water, then pat dry with paper towels, and pull off the thin silver membrane (see headnote). Season both sides of the slabs with the seasoning, and refrigerate for at least 12 hours.
Preheat the grill to 225 degrees F, preferably using hickory and charcoal. Place the slabs, meat side down, away from the flame, using indirect heat. Cook for 2 hours. Flip the slabs, and continue cooking for 45 minutes, or until you get the full bend in the slabs. Brush with the sweet cherry-cola BBQ sauce, and continue cooking for 15 minutes.
Remove from heat, slice into ribs, and serve with additional sauce.
SWEET CHERRY-COLA BBQ SAUCE
Combine all ingredients in a large saucepan. Bring to a boil, then lower the heat and gently simmer for 1 hour, stirring occasionally.