Tender, smoky, and coated in a rich honey bourbon glaze, these Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Ribs are the ultimate Father’s Day feast. Slow-cooked until fall-off-the-bone tender and finished on the grill with a sticky, caramelized glaze, these ribs are a guaranteed crowd-pleaser.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Melt-in-Your-Mouth Texture – Slow-cooking ensures incredibly tender ribs.
Bold, Smoky Flavor – Smoked paprika and bourbon add depth and richness.
Sweet & Tangy Glaze – The honey bourbon BBQ sauce creates the perfect balance of sweet and savory.
Easy Oven-to-Grill Method – Achieves the best of both worlds: tender ribs from the oven and a caramelized finish from the grill.
Great for Gatherings – Perfect for Father’s Day, summer cookouts, or any barbecue occasion.

Ingredients

(Tip: You can find the complete list of ingredients and their measurements in the recipe card below.)

For the Ribs:

2 racks baby back ribs
1 tablespoon olive oil
1 tablespoon kosher salt
1 teaspoon black pepper
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
½ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional)

For the Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce:

1 cup ketchup
½ cup honey
¼ cup bourbon
2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
2 cloves garlic, minced
½ teaspoon smoked paprika
½ teaspoon black pepper

Directions

Preheat the Oven: Set the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Prepare the Ribs: Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better texture. Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper (if using).
Slow-Cook the Ribs: Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 2.5 to 3 hours, until tender.
Make the Honey Bourbon BBQ Sauce: While the ribs cook, prepare the sauce. In a saucepan over medium heat, combine ketchup, honey, bourbon, apple cider vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, Dijon mustard, minced garlic, smoked paprika, and black pepper. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Preheat the Grill: Heat the grill to medium-high (400°F / 200°C).
Grill & Glaze the Ribs: Unwrap the ribs and brush them generously with the honey bourbon BBQ sauce. Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with more sauce until caramelized and sticky.
Rest & Serve: Remove from the grill and let the ribs rest for 5 minutes. Slice and serve with extra BBQ sauce.

Servings and Timing

Servings: 6
Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cooking Time: 3 hours
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Calories: 620 kcal per serving

Variations

Spicier Ribs – Add more cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to the BBQ sauce.
Sweeter Glaze – Increase the honey for a more caramelized finish.
Bourbon-Free Option – Substitute bourbon with apple juice for a kid-friendly version.
Oven-Only Method – Skip the grill and broil the ribs for 5-7 minutes after baking for a caramelized glaze.
Dry Rub Version – Skip the sauce and use a brown sugar-based dry rub instead for a different BBQ style.

Storage/Reheating

Refrigeration: Store leftover ribs in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Freezing: Wrap ribs tightly in foil and store in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months.
Reheating:
- Oven: Wrap in foil and warm at 300°F (150°C) for 20 minutes.
- Grill: Reheat over low heat, basting with extra sauce.
- Microwave: Heat in short intervals, covered, to retain moisture.

FAQs

How do I remove the membrane from ribs?

Use a knife to loosen the membrane from one end, then grab it with a paper towel and peel it off in one motion.

Can I make the BBQ sauce ahead of time?

Yes! The sauce can be made 3 days in advance and stored in the refrigerator.

What’s the best type of bourbon to use?

Use a smooth bourbon with caramel and vanilla notes for the best flavor.

Do I have to use bourbon?

No, you can substitute it with apple juice or beef broth for a non-alcoholic version.

Can I cook these ribs entirely on the grill?

Yes! Cook over indirect heat at 275°F (135°C) for about 3 hours, then glaze and grill over direct heat.

How do I make the ribs more tender?

Cooking low and slow (275°F) and wrapping the ribs in foil helps break down the connective tissue.

Should I marinate the ribs overnight?

It’s not necessary, but you can season the ribs and refrigerate them overnight for extra flavor.

Can I use store-bought BBQ sauce instead?

Yes, but homemade sauce gives a richer, more customized flavor.

What sides pair well with these ribs?

Serve with cornbread, coleslaw, baked beans, or grilled corn for a classic BBQ meal.

How do I know when the ribs are done?

The meat should pull away easily from the bones, and the internal temperature should be 190-200°F (88-93°C) for maximum tenderness.

Conclusion

These Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Ribs are the perfect balance of smoky, sweet, and tangy flavors. Slow-baked for tenderness and grilled to perfection with a caramelized honey bourbon glaze, this dish is a guaranteed hit for Father’s Day or any barbecue gathering. Serve with your favorite sides and extra sauce for a truly indulgent feast!

Sticky Honey Bourbon BBQ Ribs

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Author: Mari
Total Time: 3 hours 15 minutes
Yield: 6 servings 1x

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Description

Tender, smoky, and coated in a rich honey bourbon glaze, these fall-off-the-bone BBQ ribs are the ultimate Father’s Day feast!

Instructions

Preheat the oven to 275°F (135°C).
Remove the membrane from the back of the ribs for better tenderness.
Rub the ribs with olive oil, then season with salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and cayenne pepper.
Wrap the ribs tightly in aluminum foil and bake for 2.5-3 hours until tender.
Meanwhile, in a saucepan over medium heat, combine all BBQ sauce ingredients. Simmer for 10 minutes until thickened.
Preheat a grill to medium-high heat (400°F / 200°C).
Unwrap the ribs and brush generously with the honey bourbon BBQ sauce.
Grill for 5-7 minutes per side, basting with more sauce until caramelized and sticky.
Remove from the grill, let rest for 5 minutes, then slice and serve with extra sauce.

Notes

For extra smoky flavor, cook the ribs in a smoker at 225°F (107°C) for 4-5 hours.
Letting the ribs rest before slicing helps keep them juicy.
Adjust the bourbon amount for a stronger or milder flavor.

Prep Time: 15 minutes
Cook Time: 3 hours
Category: Main Course
Method: Baking, Grilling
Cuisine: American, Barbecue