Step 1

Preheat the grill. Prepare your grill for indirect grilling. The target temperature on your grill should be 300 degrees F. I recommend using fruit woods like apple, peach, cherry, or hardwoods like hickory or oak for this recipe.

Step 2

Trim the ribs. Trim down any excess fat and use a paper towel to grab and remove the thin membrane on the back of the ribs. Season liberally with the sweet rub.

Step 3

Grill the ribs. Place the ribs directly on the grill grates on your grill, close the lid, and cook for 2 1/2 hours at 300 degrees F.

Step 4

Make the braise. After your ribs have cooked for 2 1/2 hours, place a large sheet of tin foil on a flat surface. Remove the ribs from the grill and place on the foil bone side up. Fold up the corners of the foil to create a well around the ribs. Top with the brown sugar, butter, and pour on the apple cider.

Step 5

Finish grilling. Close the foil tightly around the ribs and crimp to seal. Return the ribs to the 300 degree F grill for another hour to hour and fifteen minutes.

Step 6

Finish grilling the ribs. Remove the foiled ribs from the packet (watch for steam) and return to the grill.

Step 7

Add the sauce. Liberally brush the ribs with your favorite BBQ sauce and grill for 15 more minutes to set the sauce. Don't leave on any longer than 15-20 minutes or the sugars in the sauce will burn.

Step 8

Rest, slice, and serve. Remove the ribs from the grill, and allow to rest for 15 minutes. Slice, serve, and enjoy!