If you want fall-off-the-bone ribs with a sticky, sweet glaze and deep smoky flavor, these Cherry Cola Smoked Party Ribs are the ultimate crowd-pleaser. The cherry cola adds caramelized sweetness, while the smoke builds bold barbecue flavor.
Perfect for game day, backyard cookouts, or holiday gatherings, this easy smoked ribs recipe delivers juicy pork ribs with a glossy cherry cola glaze everyone will love.
Table of Contents
Cherry Cola Smoked Party Ribs
Sweet and smoky cherry cola smoked party ribs with a sticky glaze, caramelized edges, and tender bite-through texture—perfect for cookouts, game day, and easy entertaining.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 4 hours
- Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
- Yield: 6–8 servings 1x
- Category: Dinner
- Method: Smoker
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4–5 lb total)
- 2 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp chili powder
- 1 cup cherry cola (not diet)
- 3 tbsp unsalted butter, sliced
- 2 tbsp brown sugar (for wrap)
- 1/2 cup barbecue sauce
- 1/4 cup cherry cola (for glaze)
Instructions
- Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs and pat dry.
- Mix the rub ingredients and season both sides of the ribs evenly; rest 20–30 minutes.
- Preheat smoker to 225°F and smoke ribs bone-side down for 2 hours until a bark forms.
- Wrap ribs tightly in foil with butter, brown sugar, and cherry cola; return to smoker for 1.5–2 hours until tender.
- Unwrap carefully. Mix barbecue sauce with cherry cola and brush over ribs.
- Smoke unwrapped 30–45 minutes to set the glaze; rest 10–15 minutes, slice, and serve.
Notes
Best wood: cherry or apple for a sweet smoke. Glaze tip: simmer the sauce + cola for 3–5 minutes if you want it thicker. Doneness: ribs should bend easily and be tender (around 200–203°F). Make-ahead: smoke and wrap earlier, then glaze and finish before serving.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2–3 ribs
- Calories: 520
- Sugar: 12 g
- Sodium: 720 mg
- Fat: 36 g
- Saturated Fat: 12 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 18 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 18 g
- Fiber: 0 g
- Protein: 32 g
- Cholesterol: 110 mg
Recipe: Cherry Cola Smoked Party Ribs
Ingredients
Meat
- 2 racks baby back ribs (about 4–5 pounds total)
Dry Rub
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
Cherry Cola Wrap Mixture
- 1 cup cherry cola (not diet)
- 3 tablespoons unsalted butter, sliced
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
Glaze
- ½ cup barbecue sauce
- ¼ cup cherry cola
Instructions
- Prep the ribs
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs. Pat dry with paper towels. - Season generously
Combine all dry rub ingredients. Coat both sides of the ribs evenly and press the seasoning into the meat. Let it rest 20–30 minutes. - Preheat smoker
Set your smoker to 225°F. Use applewood or cherry wood for the best sweet smoke flavor. - Smoke the ribs
Place ribs bone-side down on the smoker. Smoke for 2 hours until the surface darkens and forms a bark. - Wrap with cherry cola
Place ribs on heavy-duty foil. Add butter slices and brown sugar, and pour cherry cola around the ribs. Seal tightly and return to smoker for 1½–2 hours. - Glaze and finish
Carefully unwrap ribs. Mix barbecue sauce with cherry cola and brush over the ribs. Return to smoker unwrapped for 30–45 minutes until the glaze sets and ribs reach tenderness (internal temp around 200–203°F). - Rest and slice
Let ribs rest 10–15 minutes before slicing into party portions.
Recipe Details
Prep Time: 20 minutes
Cook Time: 4 hours
Total Time: 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 6–8
Serving Size: 2–3 ribs
Notes and Variations
Don’t skip the membrane removal
This ensures tender, bite-through ribs.
Use full-sugar cherry cola
Diet soda won’t caramelize properly.
Add heat
Mix cayenne into the rub or add hot sauce to the glaze.
Make ahead
Smoke and wrap a day ahead. Reheat and glaze before serving.
Storage
Refrigerate leftovers for up to 4 days or freeze for 2 months.
Nutrition (Approximate Per Serving)
Calories: 520
Protein: 32g
Carbohydrates: 18g
Fat: 36g
Sodium: 720mg
FAQs: Cherry Cola Smoked Party Ribs
Does cherry cola really make ribs more tender?
Yes, cherry cola helps tenderize ribs during the wrapped phase. The acidity and sugar break down connective tissue while adding sweetness. As the soda reduces, it creates a sticky glaze that enhances flavor. This method is especially popular for smoked party ribs because it builds both moisture and caramelization.
Can I make cherry cola ribs in the oven?
Absolutely. Bake at 275°F following the same wrap method. Finish under the broiler to caramelize the glaze. While you won’t get the same smoke flavor as cherry cola smoked ribs, the texture and sweetness will still be excellent.
What wood pairs best with cherry cola ribs?
Fruit woods like cherry or apple are ideal. They complement the sweetness of the cherry cola without overpowering the pork. Hickory can be used for stronger smoke, but use it lightly for balance.
How do I know when smoked ribs are done?
The ribs are done when they reach an internal temperature of 200–203°F and bend easily when lifted. The meat should pull back from the bones slightly. For party ribs, you want a tender but not mushy texture so they hold their shape when sliced.
Cherry Cola Smoked Party Ribs: Problems and Solutions
Even the best smoked ribs can run into issues. If your cherry cola-smoked party ribs didn’t turn out exactly how you expected, here’s how to fix them.
Ribs Are Tough or Chewy
If your smoked party ribs feel tough, they likely need more time. Ribs are done when they reach about 200–203°F internally and bend easily when lifted. Keep them wrapped a little longer to help break down connective tissue. Low and steady heat around 225°F is key for tender cherry cola ribs.
Ribs Are Too Soft and Falling Apart
Overcooked ribs can become mushy, especially during the wrapped phase. If this happens, unwrap them and return them to the smoker for 20–30 minutes to firm up the bark. Next time, shorten the wrapped cook time slightly and avoid adding too much cherry cola.
The Glaze Won’t Set
Cherry cola contains sugar, but if the glaze stays runny, your temperature may be too low. Simmer the barbecue sauce and cherry cola mixture briefly before brushing it on. Finish the ribs unwrapped at 250°F so the glaze caramelizes properly.
The Bark Is Too Soft
Wrapping ribs in foil creates steam, which softens the bark. After unwrapping, let the ribs cook uncovered until the surface tightens and darkens. A proper bark gives smoked party ribs texture and flavor contrast.
Ribs Taste Too Sweet
Cherry cola, brown sugar, and barbecue sauce can stack sweetness. To balance it, add black pepper, cayenne, or a splash of apple cider vinegar to the glaze. A tangier BBQ sauce also helps offset sweetness in cherry cola ribs.
Ribs Are Dry
Dry ribs usually mean they were overcooked and unwrapped. Wrapping with butter and cherry cola helps lock in moisture. Always let the ribs rest 10–15 minutes before slicing to retain juices.
Smoke Flavor Is Too Strong
Heavy woods like mesquite can overpower the sweetness of cherry cola. For the best balance, use fruit woods like cherry or apple. Thin, clean smoke produces better flavor than thick white smoke.
Love this recipe? Try one of these next!
Baby Back Ribs Guide
What Is a Baby Back Rib?
Picanha Steak
Watch the full video here: tiktok.com/@adorarecipes.
For more easy smoked ribs recipes and backyard BBQ ideas, follow along for weekly inspiration.