Ingredients

For the ribs:
2 pounds baby back pork ribs, 1 pound slabs
1 recipe Little Kick spice rub, recipe below
1 recipe Bourbon barbecue sauce, recipe below

Little Kick spice rub:
1 teaspoon chili powder
1 teaspoon smoked paprika
1 teaspoon coarsely ground black pepper
1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol, or substitute cayenne pepper

Bourbon barbecue sauce:
1/2 yellow onion, grated
5 cloves garlic , diced or pressed
3/4 cup bourbon whiskey
20 ounces ketchup
3/4 cup packed dark brown sugar
3 tablespoons Worcestershire sauce
1/4 cup tomato paste
1/4 cup cider vinegar
1 tablespoon liquid smoke
2 teaspoons kosher salt
1 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
2 teaspoons smoked paprika
1/2 teaspoon ground chile de arbol, substitute cayenne pepper
1 cup water

Directions

For the ribs:
Preheat your oven to 300 degrees F.

Lay each half rack of ribs on a sheet of aluminum foil large enough to wrap the ribs in. Rub each rack of ribs with the Little Kick spice rub. Wrap ribs in foil. Place on a baking sheet. Bake for 2-1/2 hours.

Start the barbecue sauce 45 minutes before the ribs are done baking.

Remove the ribs from the oven and preheat the grill to high. Allow the ribs to rest and grill to preheat for about 10 minutes. Grill the ribs for 3 to 4 minutes on each side. Brush the sauce on the ribs while you grill them, after they are turned the first time.

Little Kick spice rub:
In a small bowl combine the chili powder, paprika, pepper, salt and chile de arbol. Stir to combine. Use the rub on pork, chicken or beef.

Bourbon barbecue sauce:
In a large sauce pan over medium heat, combine the onion, garlic and bourbon. Simmer until the onion is translucent, about 8-10 minutes. Mix in the remaining ingredients, stir to combine. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat to medium-low, and simmer for 30 minutes.

Smooth the sauce by using an immersion blender or pouring into a blender and processing until it is a smooth consistency.