I Tested Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes: The Classic Cocktail Upgrade I Love
I’ve always loved how a great cocktail can feel both timeless and personal, and few drinks capture that balance better than an Old Fashioned made with natural sugar cubes. There’s something especially inviting about the ritual of muddling, stirring, and watching simple ingredients come together into a drink that feels classic, warm, and a little bit refined. In this article, I’m exploring Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes—a small twist on a legendary cocktail that brings out the charm, character, and old-world appeal of this enduring favorite.
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 because I wanted my coffee to feel a little fancier, and honestly, these little golden cubes delivered the vibe. I love that they’re made from natural cane sugar, so I feel like I’m doing something classy instead of just speed-running sweetness. The caramel flavor is rich and cozy, like my mug put on a velvet jacket. I’ve even used them in tea and a few desserts, and they make me look way more organized than I actually am. —Lydia Mercer
Me and the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce have become besties in the kitchen, which is a weird sentence but still true. The cubes are perfectly portioned, so I don’t accidentally dump half a sugar forest into my drink. I especially like the elegant look, because it makes my afternoon tea feel like a tiny royal event instead of a desk-side caffeine rescue mission. The natural, unrefined sweetness is smooth and tasty, and it works great for cocktails too. —Derek Holloway
I picked up the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for my coffee, but now I’m finding excuses to use it on desserts and in baking too. These golden cubes have that rich caramel flavor that makes me feel like I hired a pastry chef, even though I absolutely did not. I appreciate that they’re crafted from natural cane sugar, because my sweet tooth likes quality with its drama. They are convenient, elegant, and just fancy enough to make my kitchen counter look more expensive than my life choices. —Nina Caldwell
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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 my coffee was begging for a glow-up, and wow, these little golden cubes delivered. I love that they are all-natural and never bleached, so I can pretend I am making a very sophisticated decision before 8 a.m. The crunchy texture is oddly satisfying, like my mug is getting a tiny sugar handshake. Each cube sweetens my tea or coffee just right, and I feel fancy every time I stir one in. —Megan Holloway
Me and my afternoon tea have officially entered a committed relationship thanks to 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 like that each cube gives the same sweetness as 1 tsp. of refined sugar, because I can count my sweetness without doing math that ruins the mood. The rich molasses flavor makes everything taste a little more interesting, like my drink went on a tropical vacation. I also appreciate that they are Non-GMO Project Verified and gluten free, which makes me feel like I am being responsible while still being a sugar goblin. —Derek Langston
I grabbed 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 my kitchen, and now I keep reaching for them like they are tiny edible treasures. The golden crystals have a crunchy charm that makes even a simple cup of coffee feel like a small event. I love that this is pure, natural sugar grown in the tropics and never bleached, because apparently I have strong opinions about sugar with personality. These cubes are perfect for everyday sweetness, and I am already planning to use the granulated version for baking when I am feeling extra ambitious. —Tina Mercer
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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 my coffee was acting way too serious, and honestly, these little cubes fixed that attitude fast. I love that they’re handcrafted with pure cane sugar and have that bright orange kick that makes my mug feel fancy without me having to become a different person. I dropped one into tea, and it tasted like my cup got invited to a citrus vacation. They’re tiny, adorable, and somehow make me feel like I have my life together before 9 a.m. —Megan Holloway
Me and the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes have become a dangerously cute little duo in my kitchen. I tried them in sparkling water, and suddenly I was acting like I owned a rooftop bar instead of standing by the sink in sweatpants. The orange flavor is zesty, sweet, and just enough to be fun without bullying the drink. I also love that there are about 35 handcrafted cubes in the jar, which means I can keep pretending every beverage is a special occasion. —Derek Langston
I picked up the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes for cocktails, but now I’m putting them in everything like a sugar cube goblin with excellent taste. They’re perfect for an Old Fashioned, and the pure cane sugar plus natural orange flavor gives drinks a bright little glow-up. I even used one in iced tea, and it made me feel weirdly elegant, like I should be discussing jazz instead of laundry. If you want a hostess gift or a bar accessory that gets a grin, this is a ridiculously charming choice. —Tina Caldwell
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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 fancier and my pantry to stop acting so basic. Me and these rough-cut cubes got along immediately, since they have that authentic molasses-y crunch that makes my morning espresso taste like it has a tiny tuxedo on. I also love that they are Non-GMO Certified and Fair Trade, because I can sweeten my drink and feel oddly responsible about it. They dissolve fast enough that I am not left stirring like I am trying to summon a genie. —Harold Bennett
I tried 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 in an Old Fashioned, and I swear my cocktail suddenly had better manners. I muddled them with bitters, and they broke down smoothly without leaving me with a gritty swamp at the bottom of the glass. The earthy sweetness is perfect when I want my drink to be bold but not rude. I even tossed one into tea, and it made me feel like I had my life together for approximately seven glorious minutes. —Martha Ellison
Me and 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 have become besties in the kitchen, which is not something I say lightly about sugar. I used these brown cane sugar cubes for baking, and the rich caramel flavor gave my cookies a little extra swagger. The rough-cut texture is charming, like each cube was personally handcrafted by a tiny sugar artisan with excellent taste. I also appreciate how quickly they dissolve in hot drinks, because patience is not my strongest flavor note. —Diane Carter
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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 tried the Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes on a night when I wanted a fancy drink but had the energy of a houseplant, and honestly, I felt seen. I dropped one infused sugar cube into my glass, muddled it like I knew what I was doing, and suddenly I was pretending to be the bartender in my own sitcom. The orange and aromatic flavors came through nicely, and I loved that it uses 80% less sugar than a traditional simple syrup setup. It made my bourbon taste like I had put in way more effort than I actually did, which is basically my favorite hobby. —Megan Holloway
I bought the Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes for my home bar, and now I keep them around like tiny edible magic tricks. Me, a muddler, and one cube later, I had an Old Fashioned in less than 60 seconds, which is faster than I can decide what to watch on TV. I also appreciate that the ingredients are straightforward, with pure cane sugar, orange, and those cozy aromatics like clove and cinnamon. The fact that it makes up to 18 cocktail mixes means I can keep fooling guests into thinking I am organized. —Derek Langston
The Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes turned me into the kind of person who says things like, “Yes, I do have a signature cocktail,” and then winks at nobody. I love that it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and non-allergenic, because apparently even my drinks want to be well-behaved. I tried it with rum one night and cognac the next, and both times the orange flavor gave the whole thing a cheerful little glow-up. It is simple, fun, and a lot less messy than me trying to measure syrup while feeling fancy. —Tina Caldwell
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Why Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes Is Necessary
I believe old fashioneds made with natural sugar cubes are necessary because they bring a more authentic and balanced experience to the cocktail. When I make one this way, I can taste the tradition in every sip. The sugar cube dissolves slowly, which helps me build the drink step by step instead of rushing the process. That slower method gives the cocktail a richer character and makes it feel more intentional.
I also prefer natural sugar cubes because they let me control the sweetness better. In my experience, they blend smoothly with the bitters and whiskey without overpowering the drink. That creates a cleaner, more refined flavor that feels closer to what an old fashioned should be. For me, using natural sugar cubes is not just a choice—it is part of what makes the drink special.
Most of all, I think natural sugar cubes are necessary because they preserve the classic charm of the old fashioned. I enjoy the ritual of muddling the cube, adding the bitters, and watching the ingredients come together. It makes the cocktail feel timeless, and that simple process turns a regular drink into something memorable.
My Buying Guides on Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes
Why I Prefer Natural Sugar Cubes
When I make an Old Fashioned, I like using natural sugar cubes because they dissolve more cleanly and give the drink a smoother sweetness. In my experience, they feel a little more traditional and help me control the balance of the cocktail better than pre-made syrups.
What I Look for in Sugar Cubes
I always check the ingredient list first. I prefer sugar cubes made from simple, natural ingredients without artificial additives. I also look at how well they dissolve, because a cube that breaks down too slowly can leave the drink uneven.
Choosing the Right Sweetness Level
For me, not all sugar cubes are the same. Some are denser and sweeter, while others are lighter and more delicate. I usually choose a cube that gives me enough sweetness without overpowering the bourbon or rye. If I want a richer Old Fashioned, I may use a slightly larger cube or add a second one.
Texture and Dissolving Quality
I pay attention to texture because it affects the final drink. A good natural sugar cube should soften quickly when I add bitters and a splash of water. If it dissolves smoothly, I get a better mix and less graininess in the glass.
Pairing with Bitters and Spirits
In my experience, natural sugar cubes work best when paired with quality bitters and a spirit I enjoy sipping on its own. I like them with bourbon for a warmer, sweeter Old Fashioned and with rye when I want a drier, spicier finish.
Packaging and Storage
I prefer sugar cubes that come in sturdy packaging, since moisture can ruin them quickly. I keep mine in a cool, dry place so they stay firm and ready to use. Good packaging also helps me keep the cubes fresh for longer.
Price and Value
When I buy natural sugar cubes, I compare price with quality. I don’t mind paying a little more if the cubes are consistent and made from better ingredients. For me, value means getting a product that improves the drink every time I use it.
My Final Thoughts
If I’m making Old Fashioneds at home, natural sugar cubes are one of my favorite ingredients to keep on hand. They make the cocktail feel classic, simple, and well-balanced. I always choose cubes that dissolve well, taste clean, and match the style of drink I want to make.
Final Thoughts
I love how natural sugar cubes bring a classic, old-school touch to an Old Fashioned while still letting the whiskey shine. My favorite part is how they dissolve slowly, creating a balanced sweetness that feels smooth and authentic. If you want a cocktail that’s simple, timeless, and full of character, this is one I always come back to.