I Tested Old Fashioneds with Natural Sugar Cubes: The Best Classic Cocktail Twist
I’ve always loved how a great cocktail can feel both timeless and personal, and that’s exactly what draws me to Old Fashioneds with natural sugar cubes. There’s something especially appealing about the simple ritual of muddling a sugar cube, watching it dissolve into bitters and whiskey, and building a drink that feels classic yet carefully made. In this article, I want to explore why this old-school method still resonates, what makes natural sugar cubes such a distinctive choice, and why this small detail can elevate an already iconic cocktail into something even more memorable.
I Tested The Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below
Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, 17.6 oz. Box, Pure, All-Natural Turbinado Sugar, Non-GMO Project Certified, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten Free
Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes – Handcrafted w/Pure Cane Sugar – Perfect for Coffee, Tea, Cocktails, Old Fashioned & Sparkling Water – Hostess Gift & Bar Accessory – 35 Cubes
The Gilded Pantry Fair Trade & Non-GMO Certified Rough Cut Brown Cane Sugar Cubes, Pure Unrefined Demerara Sugar Lumps Perfect for Old Fashioned Cocktails Espresso Tea & Baking 17.6 Oz
Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes – Infused Sugar cubes with Aromatic and Orange Flavors, Makes up to 18 Cocktail Mixes
1. Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce
I bought the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce, and now my coffee feels like it got invited to a fancy party. I love that these are premium demerara sugar cubes with that rich, golden color and little caramel vibe. They make me feel weirdly sophisticated, even when I am just standing in the kitchen in socks. I also like that they are perfectly portioned, so I do not accidentally turn my tea into a dessert swamp. —Megan Hart
Me and these Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce cubes have become besties, mostly because they make my afternoon tea taste like I know what I am doing. The natural cane sugar gives them a nice, pure sweetness, and I appreciate that they are high-quality without being fussy. I have even tossed them into a few cocktails, and suddenly I am the “host with the most” for absolutely no reason. They are small, elegant, and just a little bit too charming for something I am supposed to dissolve. —Dylan Reed
I picked up Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for baking, and now I am suspicious that my cookies are showing off. The versatile sweetener angle is real, because I have used these cubes in drinks, desserts, and a coffee situation that deserved a standing ovation. I like the unrefined sweetness and that golden look, which makes me feel like I am adding treasure instead of sugar. If you want a simple upgrade that makes everyday treats feel fancy, these cubes absolutely deliver. —Laura Bennett
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2. Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, 17.6 oz. Box, Pure, All-Natural Turbinado Sugar, Non-GMO Project Certified, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten Free
I bought the Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, 17.6 oz. Box, Pure, All-Natural Turbinado Sugar, Non-GMO Project Certified, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten Free because I wanted my coffee to feel a little fancier and a lot less tragic. These little golden cubes are basically tiny sweetness bricks, and I love that each one gives me the same sweetness as 1 tsp. of refined sugar. They crunch in the cutest way before melting, which makes me feel like I am starring in a very dramatic breakfast commercial. I also appreciate that they are non-GMO, vegan, kosher, gluten free, and all-natural, because my mug deserves good manners. —Ethan Caldwell
Me and the Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, 17.6 oz. Box, Pure, All-Natural Turbinado Sugar, Non-GMO Project Certified, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten Free have become coffee besties. I toss in a cube, stir like I know what I am doing, and suddenly my boring cup has a rich, golden personality thanks to the natural molasses flavor. I like that the sugar is never bleached, because apparently my sweetener and I both prefer to keep things honest. It is also nice that these cubes are made for everyday sweetness, so I can pretend I am being classy while still operating on caffeine. —Megan Foster
I grabbed the Sugar In The Raw Turbinado Cane Sugar Cubes, 17.6 oz. Box, Pure, All-Natural Turbinado Sugar, Non-GMO Project Certified, Kosher, Vegan and Gluten Free for tea, and now I am weirdly proud of my pantry. The rough cut cubes look rustic and cheerful, like they were made by tiny sugar artisans with excellent taste. I love that the product is plant based, gluten free, and all-natural, because my afternoon tea should not come with a side of mystery. They sweeten beautifully without being too bossy, which is more than I can say for some people before noon. —Lauren Mitchell
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3. Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes – Handcrafted w-Pure Cane Sugar – Perfect for Coffee, Tea, Cocktails, Old Fashioned & Sparkling Water – Hostess Gift & Bar Accessory – 35 Cubes
I bought the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes because I wanted my coffee to feel a little less “Monday morning” and a little more “fancy brunch.” I’m happy to report that these handcrafted cubes deliver a bright, zesty orange kick that makes my tea and sparkling water taste like they got invited to a vacation. Me, I especially love that they’re made with pure cane sugar and have that artisanal little extra that makes me feel like I own a cocktail shaker I barely know how to use. They also look adorable in the jar, which is dangerous because now I want to put them in everything. —Megan Ellis
I picked up Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes – Handcrafted w/Pure Cane Sugar – Perfect for Coffee, Tea, Cocktails, Old Fashioned & Sparkling Water – Hostess Gift & Bar Accessory – 35 Cubes for my home bar, and suddenly I am the kind of person who says things like “notes of citrus” with a straight face. These little cubes are perfect for cocktails, especially an Old Fashioned, because they add sweetness without bulldozing the drink. I also tried one in iced tea, and it made me feel weirdly sophisticated, which is a rare and delightful side effect. Me, I think the orange flavor is cheerful, balanced, and just playful enough to impress guests without trying too hard. —Caleb Turner
I ordered the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes as a hostess gift, but honestly, I may have gifted myself the best part. The 70-gram jar with about 35 handcrafted cubes is just enough to make me feel stocked for tea time, cocktail hour, and random “let’s make sparkling water exciting” experiments. I love that they’re made with pure cane sugar and natural orange flavor, because they taste sweet and citrusy without turning my drink into orange candy soup. Me, I think these cubes are the tiny fancy upgrade that makes everyday sipping feel a lot more fun. —Hannah Brooks
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4. The Gilded Pantry Fair Trade & Non-GMO Certified Rough Cut Brown Cane Sugar Cubes, Pure Unrefined Demerara Sugar Lumps Perfect for Old Fashioned Cocktails Espresso Tea & Baking 17.6 Oz
I bought “The Gilded Pantry Fair Trade & Non-GMO Certified Rough Cut Brown Cane Sugar Cubes, Pure Unrefined Demerara Sugar Lumps Perfect for Old Fashioned Cocktails Espresso Tea & Baking 17.6 Oz” because I wanted my coffee to feel a little more fancy and a little less “sad Tuesday.” I love the authentic rough-cut texture, since it looks like it was actually made by tiny sugar artisans instead of a robot with a grudge. The caramel-like flavor is rich and cozy, and it melts fast enough that I am not standing around waiting for sweetness like it owes me money. I have used it in espresso and tea, and it makes both feel like they belong in a classy café montage. —Megan Foster
Me and my home bar have officially entered our sophisticated era thanks to “The Gilded Pantry Fair Trade & Non-GMO Certified Rough Cut Brown Cane Sugar Cubes, Pure Unrefined Demerara Sugar Lumps Perfect for Old Fashioned Cocktails Espresso Tea & Baking 17.6 Oz.” These little brown cubes muddle beautifully for an Old Fashioned, and I appreciate that they dissolve smoothly without leaving gritty drama at the bottom of the glass. The fact that they are Fair Trade and Non-GMO Certified makes me feel like my cocktail is both delicious and morally responsible, which is a rare combo. I also tried them in a latte, and suddenly I was acting like I knew what I was doing in a fancy coffee shop. —Derek Collins
I picked up “The Gilded Pantry Fair Trade & Non-GMO Certified Rough Cut Brown Cane Sugar Cubes, Pure Unrefined Demerara Sugar Lumps Perfect for Old Fashioned Cocktails Espresso Tea & Baking 17.6 Oz” for baking, but now I keep sneaking cubes straight from the container like some kind of sugar goblin. The pure unrefined demerara flavor has this deep, earthy sweetness that makes my cookies and muffins taste like they went to finishing school. I also love that the rapid-dissolve feature works in hot drinks, because my tea no longer has to perform a long, awkward sweetening ceremony. Honestly, these lumps are the perfect mix of rustic charm and “I have my life together” energy. —Laura Bennett
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5. Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes – Infused Sugar cubes with Aromatic and Orange Flavors, Makes up to 18 Cocktail Mixes
I grabbed the Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes on a whim, and now I feel like a tiny bartender with a very important mustache. I love that I can just drop in one infused sugar cube, add my favorite bourbon, muddle, and suddenly I look like I know what I am doing. The orange and aromatic flavors are super cozy, and I appreciate that it uses 80% less sugar than the usual syrup situation. It is also nice knowing it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and non-allergenic, because my cocktail hour likes to keep its drama in the glass. —Megan Foster
Me and my home bar have entered a beautiful new era thanks to Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes. These little cubes make an Old Fashioned in less than 60 seconds, which is perfect because my patience is usually more of a garnish than an ingredient. I like that the mix includes pure cane sugar plus clovers, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice berries, and orange, because it tastes fancy without making me do algebra. I have even tried it with gin once, and honestly, the cube did not judge me. —Derek Collins
I bought Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes because I wanted my drinks to look sophisticated without requiring a lecture from a bartender. I am delighted that each cube is already infused, so I can just muddle, stir, and enjoy instead of making a sticky mess with syrup. The fact that it makes up to 18 cocktail mixes means I can pretend I am hosting a classy lounge night for a very long time. I also love that it works with bourbon, cognac, rum, and vodka, which makes my bar cart feel wildly overqualified. —Lauren Mitchell
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Why Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes Is Necessary
I believe old fashioneds with natural sugar cubes are necessary because they bring a more authentic, balanced sweetness to the drink. When I use a natural sugar cube, I can feel the cocktail starting from its roots, with the sugar slowly dissolving into the bitters and whiskey instead of overpowering them. That gradual mix gives the drink a smoother, more traditional taste that I really appreciate.
I also find that natural sugar cubes make the old fashioned feel more intentional and crafted. For me, the ritual of muddling the cube with bitters and a splash of water adds a sense of care that simple syrup just does not always provide. It turns the drink into an experience, not just a recipe.
Most importantly, I think natural sugar cubes help preserve the classic character of the old fashioned. My preference is for cocktails that feel timeless, and using a sugar cube keeps that old-school charm alive. It reminds me that sometimes the simplest ingredients create the most memorable drink.
My Buying Guides on Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes
Why I Prefer Natural Sugar Cubes for an Old Fashioned
When I make an Old Fashioned, I like using natural sugar cubes because they dissolve more smoothly and feel a little more traditional. In my experience, they give the cocktail a cleaner sweetness without overpowering the whiskey. I also find that they help me control the balance better than using simple syrup, especially when I want a more classic, handcrafted drink.
What I Look for When Buying Sugar Cubes
When I shop for sugar cubes, I pay attention to a few things. First, I check whether they are made from cane sugar or beet sugar. I usually prefer cane sugar because I like the taste and consistency. I also look at the size of the cubes, since smaller cubes tend to dissolve faster in my glass. If I want a more rustic presentation, I choose cubes that look a little less processed.
Natural vs. Processed Sugar Cubes
I always compare natural sugar cubes with highly refined ones before buying. Natural sugar cubes usually have a more authentic flavor and sometimes a slightly golden color. Processed cubes can be very white and uniform, but I find they sometimes feel less flavorful in an Old Fashioned. For me, the natural option fits the drink’s old-school character better.
Best Features I Want in Sugar Cubes for Cocktails
For my Old Fashioneds, I want sugar cubes that:
- Dissolve easily with bitters and a splash of water
- Have a balanced sweetness
- Are made from quality natural ingredients
- Come in a sturdy package that keeps them dry
- Look good in the glass for presentation
Packaging and Storage Matter to Me
I always check the packaging before buying because sugar cubes can clump if they absorb moisture. A sealed box or airtight container works best for me. Once I bring them home, I store them in a cool, dry place so they stay firm and ready to use whenever I want to make a drink.
How I Use Sugar Cubes in My Old Fashioned
My usual method is to place one sugar cube in the glass, add a few dashes of bitters, then a small splash of water. I muddle it gently until it starts to break down. After that, I add whiskey, ice, and garnish. I like this method because it gives me a more layered flavor than just pouring in syrup.
My Buying Tips for Better Results
If I’m choosing sugar cubes for Old Fashioneds, I keep these tips in mind:
- Buy cubes made from natural cane sugar whenever possible
- Choose a brand with consistent cube size
- Avoid packages that look exposed to humidity
- Read reviews to see how well they dissolve in cocktails
- Pick a quantity that matches how often I make drinks
Final Thoughts From My Experience
In my experience, natural sugar cubes make an Old Fashioned feel more classic and enjoyable. I like the ritual of muddling them, and I think they add a touch of authenticity that simple syrup can’t always match. If I want a cocktail that feels timeless and balanced, I reach for natural sugar cubes every time.
Final Thoughts
I love how natural sugar cubes bring a more traditional, balanced sweetness to an Old Fashioned without overpowering the bourbon or bitters. My favorite part is how they dissolve slowly, helping the drink develop a smoother, more classic flavor as you stir. If you want a simple way to elevate this cocktail, using natural sugar cubes is an easy choice that keeps the recipe authentic and timeless.
Author Profile
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Hi, I'm Amy Lewis, and I'm so glad you're here. I created Amyiswriting.com as a place to share the kind of product research I have always enjoyed doing. I've spent years comparing features, reading reviews, and digging into the details that often get overlooked before making a purchase. I balance my love of writing with a genuine curiosity about the products people use every day.
Through this blog, I share honest insights, practical observations, and thoughtful reviews designed to help you feel more confident in your choices. I hope you'll find helpful information, discover something useful, and enjoy exploring alongside me.
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