Smoked Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs

August 13, 2025

Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs bring a deep, sweet cherry flavor balanced by tangy spice and the rich smokiness of pecan wood. This recipe uses the classic 2-2-1 rib method, building layers of flavor from start to finish. The mustard binder helps your Kansas City BBQ Rub grip every bite, while the Cherry Dr Pepper spritz infuses a subtle fruitiness throughout the cook. The wrap stage adds buttery richness and a drizzle of dark honey for caramelized edges. Finished with a generous brush of Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce, these ribs are tender, sticky, and bursting with bold flavor.

Smoked Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs

Rated 5.0 stars by 1 users

Cuisine

American

Author: Glenn Connaughton

Glenn Connaughton

Servings

Prep Time

20 minutes

Cook Time

5 minutes

Calories

656

These Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs bring a fruit-forward spritz, buttery honey wrap, and our tangy-sweet Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce for the perfect finishing glaze. The pecan wood smoke pairs beautifully with the cherry notes, producing a rib that’s as aromatic as it is flavorful. The mustard binder ensures the Kansas City BBQ Rub forms a rich, mahogany bark, while the spritz keeps the ribs moist and builds complexity in each layer of smoke. The result is a rack of ribs with deep color, a glossy finish, and a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors.

Cook Mode

Ingredients

For The Ribs

2 racks St. Louis-style pork ribs, membrane removed
¼ cup yellow mustard
½ cup Revolution Barbecue Kansas City BBQ Rub

For The Spritz

1 (12-ounce) can Cherry Dr Pepper
¼ cup water

For The Wrap

5 pats unsalted butter per rack
2 tablespoons dark honey per rack
½ cup remaining spritz per rack

For The Sauce

1 batch Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce (Link to the full sauce recipe: https://revolutionbbq.com/blogs/recipes/cherry-dr-pepper-bbq-sauce)

Directions

Prep the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the bone side of the ribs. Spread mustard evenly over both sides. Season generously with Revolution Barbecue Kansas City BBQ Rub, making sure to coat all surfaces. Let sit at room temperature while the smoker heats.
Preheat the Smoker: Set your smoker to 250°F using pecan wood for smoke.
Start the Cook: Place ribs bone side down on the smoker. Smoke for 2 hours, spritzing with the Cherry Dr Pepper mixture every 30 minutes after the first hour.
Make the Sauce: While the ribs are cooking, prepare the Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce according to the recipe instructions. Set aside and keep warm until ready to use. (Link to the full sauce recipe: https://revolutionbbq.com/blogs/recipes/cherry-dr-pepper-bbq-sauce)
Wrap the Ribs: Lay out two large sheets of heavy-duty foil per rack. Place 5 pats of butter in a line down the center. Drizzle 2 tablespoons dark honey along the foil so it covers the full length of the ribs. Place ribs meat side down over the butter and honey. Pour about ½ cup of the remaining spritz into each foil packet. Seal tightly, leaving one end open to pour in the liquid before closing.
Continue Cooking: Return wrapped ribs to the smoker and cook for 2 hours.
Sauce the Ribs: Carefully remove ribs from foil and place back on the smoker, bone side down. Brush with Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce every 30 minutes during the last hour of cooking.
Rest and Serve: Remove ribs from the smoker, tent loosely with foil, and rest for 10 minutes before slicing. Serve with the remaining Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce on the side for dipping or drizzling.

Recipe Note

These Cherry Dr Pepper Ribs combine rich cherry sweetness with the slow, smoky intensity of pecan wood and the bold, savory character of Revolution Barbecue Kansas City BBQ Rub. Every layer—from the Cherry Dr Pepper spritz to the butter and honey wrap—adds moisture and flavor that builds to a sticky, caramelized finish. And the final glaze of Cherry Dr Pepper BBQ Sauce creates that unmistakable glossy sheen and sweet tang that makes every bite unforgettable. Whether you're hosting a backyard party or just craving something different off the smoker, these ribs will leave a mark. For more award-worthy BBQ flavors, grab a bottle of our premium rubs at Revolution Barbecue.

Nutrition information is automatically calculated, and should only be used as an approximation

Serving Size 1 serving (450 grams)
Calories 656, Fat 5 grams, Polyunsaturated Fat 15 milligrams, Monounsaturated Fat 15 milligrams, Carbs 39 grams, Protein 45 grams, Potassium 1050 milligrams, Fiber 1 grams, Sodium 1196 milligrams, Sugar 32 grams, Iron 2 milligrams