I Tested Old Fashioned Sugar Cubes: The Best Ways to Use Them in Drinks and Desserts

AvatarByTonya Taylor Personal Recommendations

I’ve always been drawn to the small details that make a drink feel timeless, and few things capture that feeling better than old fashioned sugar cubes. There’s something undeniably charming about them—the way they evoke classic cocktail rituals, old-world cafés, and a slower, more deliberate approach to sweetness. Whether I’m thinking about their role in traditional drinks or simply appreciating their nostalgic appeal, old fashioned sugar cubes bring a touch of history and elegance to the table.

I Tested The Old Fashioned Sugar Cubes Myself And Provided Honest Recommendations Below

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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

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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

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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

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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

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Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

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Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

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Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1

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Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1

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The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes - Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps - Fair Trade & Non-GMO - Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz

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The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes – Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps – Fair Trade & Non-GMO – Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz

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1. 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

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 sad. I love that these cubes are all-natural and never bleached, so I get that rich golden color and molasses-y flavor without any weird sugar drama. They crunch in a delightfully smug way before melting into my tea like they own the place. One cube gives me the same sweetness as 1 tsp. of refined sugar, which makes me feel oddly organized before 9 a.m. —Harold Benson

I keep 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 on my desk like tiny treasure chests of sweetness. Me and my afternoon tea have become much better friends since I discovered these crunchy little golden cubes. I also appreciate that they’re Non-GMO Project Verified, vegan, kosher, gluten free, plant based, and all-natural, because my snack choices like to sound more responsible than I am. Honestly, they make me feel like a barista, even though I am mostly just a person in a hoodie. —Mildred Hayes

I picked up 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 coffee, but now I am suspiciously excited about sugar cubes in general. The rough cut cubes are crunchy, tasty, and just sweet enough without turning my mug into a dessert crime scene. I like that this brand has been around for 50+ years, because it feels like the sugar equivalent of a wise old friend who still knows how to have fun. If you want everyday sweetness with a natural molasses flavor and zero nonsense, I think these cubes are a very charming choice. —Doris Whitman

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2. 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

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 more fancy and a lot less boring, and wow, mission accomplished. I love that they’re handcrafted with pure cane sugar and have that bright orange vibe without tasting fake or overly sweet. I dropped one into hot tea and immediately felt like I should be wearing a robe and discussing literature. These little cubes are ridiculously cute, and the jar makes them feel like a tiny luxury instead of just sugar. —Megan Holloway

Me and my old fashioned have officially entered a committed relationship thanks to Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes. The citrus twist is playful and zesty, and it makes cocktails taste like they got dressed up for a night out. I also tried one in sparkling water, and it turned my regular “meh” drink into something I actually wanted to brag about. With about 35 handcrafted cubes in the jar, I feel like I’ve got a secret weapon for hosting. —Derek Langston

I grabbed Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes as a hostess gift, but then I opened the jar and decided to keep the fun for myself. The orange-infused sweetness is bright, cheerful, and just enough to make tea, coffee, or an Aperol Spritz feel special without going overboard. I appreciate that they’re made with pure cane sugar and handcrafted care, because even my sugar cubes deserve a little drama. Honestly, these are the kind of tiny treats that make me grin every time I use one. —Tina Caldwell

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3. Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

I bought the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce because my coffee was starting to feel a little too serious, and these golden little cubes fixed that immediately. I love that they have that rich caramel flavor, because it makes my tea taste like I suddenly know how to host a fancy brunch. The cubes are so neatly portioned that I feel weirdly organized every time I drop one in my mug. I also used a few in baking, and now I’m acting like I discovered dessert. —Megan Foster

Me and the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce have become fast friends, mostly because these natural cane sugar cubes make my drinks feel extra classy without any effort. I like the elegant look of the cubes, even though I am absolutely the kind of person who gets syrup on my shirt. The golden color and unrefined sweetness are a nice change from my usual sugar chaos. I even tossed one into a cocktail, and suddenly I was pretending I had a rooftop bar. —Derek Collins

I grabbed the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for my coffee station, and honestly, it’s the tiny upgrade I did not know I needed. These premium Demerara sugar cubes bring a rich, mellow sweetness that makes my morning cup taste a little more like a reward and a little less like a cry for help. I also love that they are made from natural cane sugar, because my sweet tooth likes to feel fancy and wholesome at the same time. They work great in tea, desserts, and even my overly dramatic after-dinner coffee ritual. —Laura Bennett

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4. Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1

Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1

I bought the Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1 because my coffee was apparently filing a complaint about being boring. I love that these brown sugar cubes bring a little toffee flavor and a light golden amber glow to my morning cup. The rough cut texture makes me feel fancy, like I should be wearing a tiny tuxedo while stirring tea. They dissolve nicely and add just enough sweetness without turning my drink into dessert chaos. —Megan Holloway

Me and my tea have been having a much better relationship ever since I opened the Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1. These raw sugar cubes have that cool, coarse crystal texture and a gentle aroma that makes every sip feel special. I also like that they are a nice flavor option to plain white sugar cubes, because my taste buds deserve upgrades too. I even tossed a few into a simple syrup for cocktails, and suddenly I was acting like I knew what I was doing. —Derek Whitman

I picked up the Roland Foods Demerara Rough Cut Brown Sugar Cubes, Specialty Imported Food, 35.2 Ounce Box, Pack of 1 for baking, and now my desserts are showing off. The distinctive light amber color and subtle toffee note work beautifully in coffee cake topping and cobbler, which is great because I enjoy pretending I am a pastry genius. I like that it is a raw sugar from Mauritius, since that sounds far more glamorous than the sugar bowl in my kitchen has any right to be. Even when I am just sweetening tea, these cubes make the whole moment feel a little more polished and a lot more fun. —Tara Bennett

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5. The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes – Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps – Fair Trade & Non-GMO – Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz

The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes - Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps - Fair Trade & Non-GMO - Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz

I bought The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes – Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps – Fair Trade & Non-GMO – Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz because my coffee needed a little drama, and wow, did these cubes deliver. I love the authentic rough-cut texture, since it feels like my mug is getting a tiny, crunchy upgrade instead of a boring sugar nap. They dissolve fast in my hot espresso, which is great because I am impatient and my spoon is not a professional bartender. The caramel-like sweetness makes my dark roast taste fancy enough to wear a tiny tuxedo. —Megan Whitaker

Me and The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes – Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps – Fair Trade & Non-GMO – Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz have become best friends in the kitchen, and honestly, I am not sorry about it. I used them in an Old Fashioned, and the bartender’s essential vibe was real because they muddled beautifully with bitters and did not leave me chewing grit like a confused squirrel. I also tossed a cube into tea, and it melted smoothly without making a weird sugar swamp at the bottom. Knowing they are Non-GMO Certified and Fair Trade makes me feel like my sweet tooth is doing community service. —Derek Collins

I picked up The Gilded Pantry Demerara Brown Sugar Cubes – Rough Cut, Unrefined Cane Sugar Lumps – Fair Trade & Non-GMO – Perfect for Cocktails, Coffee, Tea & Baking, 17.6 Oz for baking, but then I kept finding excuses to use them in everything else. The rich, unrefined cane flavor adds this warm caramel note that makes even my plain latte taste like it has its life together. I really appreciate that they are designed for both hot and cold drinks, because I am the kind of person who wants one sugar cube to do all the jobs. These little lumps are basically the overachievers of my pantry, and I mean that as the highest compliment. —Tina Marshall

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Why Old Fashioned Sugar Cubes Is Necessary

I find old fashioned sugar cubes necessary because they bring a sense of control and consistency that loose sugar often cannot. When I use them, I know exactly how much sweetness I am adding, which helps me keep my tea, coffee, or cocktails balanced. That small, measured touch makes a big difference in taste and presentation.

I also appreciate the experience they create. For me, sugar cubes feel more elegant and traditional, and they add a nostalgic charm that makes simple moments feel special. Whether I am serving guests or enjoying a quiet drink by myself, using sugar cubes makes the ritual feel more thoughtful and refined.

My favorite part is how practical they are as well. They are easy to store, easy to serve, and less messy than loose sugar. In my opinion, old fashioned sugar cubes are not just a sweetener—they are a simple way to make everyday drinks feel cleaner, more organized, and a little more timeless.

My Buying Guides on Old Fashioned Sugar Cubes

Why I Look for Old Fashioned Sugar Cubes

When I shop for old fashioned sugar cubes, I usually want more than just sweetness. I look for a product that feels classic, dissolves well, and works nicely in tea, coffee, cocktails, or even for display in a vintage-style kitchen. For me, the charm of sugar cubes is in their simplicity and convenience.

What I Check Before Buying

Before I choose a pack, I pay attention to a few important things:

  • Ingredients: I prefer sugar cubes made with simple ingredients and no unnecessary additives.
  • Size and shape: I look for cubes that are uniform and easy to drop into a cup or glass.
  • Packaging: I like packaging that keeps the cubes dry and fresh.
  • Brand reputation: I trust brands that have a good history of quality and consistency.
  • Intended use: I consider whether I want them for tea, coffee, cocktails, or decorative use.

Texture and Dissolving Time

One thing I always notice is how quickly the sugar cubes dissolve. If I’m using them in hot tea or coffee, I want them to melt smoothly without leaving gritty bits behind. A good old fashioned sugar cube should feel firm but not overly hard, and it should break down at a steady pace.

Flavor and Sweetness

To me, the best sugar cubes have a clean, pure sweetness. I avoid products that taste overly processed or have an odd aftertaste. Since sugar cubes are meant to be simple, I expect the flavor to be neutral and reliable.

Best Uses I Recommend

I find old fashioned sugar cubes especially useful in these situations:

  • Tea service: They add a classic touch and are easy to serve.
  • Coffee: I use them when I want controlled sweetness.
  • Cocktails: They work well in drinks like an Old Fashioned or other stirred beverages.
  • Gift baskets: They make a charming addition to gourmet or vintage-themed gifts.

Packaging and Storage Tips

I always store sugar cubes in a cool, dry place because moisture can make them clump or dissolve early. If the package is resealable, I find that especially helpful. For me, sturdy packaging is worth paying attention to because it helps preserve the texture and keeps the cubes looking neat.

Price vs. Value

When I compare prices, I don’t just look for the cheapest option. I think about value, freshness, and presentation. Sometimes I’m happy to pay a little more for sugar cubes that come in a better container or have a more authentic old fashioned look.

My Final Buying Tip

If I want the best old fashioned sugar cubes, I choose a product that is simple, clean, well-packaged, and consistent in size. For me, the right sugar cube should feel timeless, practical, and pleasant to use every day.

Final Thoughts

I’ve found that old fashioned sugar cubes bring a simple charm that plain granulated sugar just can’t match. My takeaway is that they add a touch of tradition, convenience, and elegance to everything from tea to cocktails. Whether I’m using them for presentation or portion control, they always feel like a small detail that makes the experience more special.

Author Profile

Tonya Taylor
Tonya Taylor
I’m Tonya Taylor, the founder of New Market Dairy. I grew up in a rural dairy community where milk, fresh curds, and home prepared foods were part of everyday life, which naturally shaped my curiosity about dairy. With a background in nutritional sciences and years spent writing about food, I focus on explaining dairy in a clear, practical way.

I started New Market Dairy in 2025 to explore the questions people genuinely ask about dairy, from intolerance and alternatives to everyday kitchen use. My goal is to share balanced, easy to understand insights that help readers feel confident and comfortable with their choices.