I Tested Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes: The Best Classic Cocktail Upgrade
I’ve always loved the ritual of making an Old Fashioned—the slow muddle, the rich aroma of whiskey, the bright twist of citrus, and that perfect balance of sweetness and bitterness. When I started exploring Old Fashioneds with natural sugar cubes, I found a simple ingredient that adds a surprisingly elegant touch to this classic cocktail. There’s something appealing about using a more traditional, less processed sweetener to build flavor from the very first stir, and it brings a subtle depth that feels both timeless and fresh.
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 suddenly my coffee felt like it got invited to a fancy party. I love that these are natural cane sugar cubes with that rich, golden color and a little caramel vibe, because plain sugar was getting a bit too boring for me. They dissolve nicely, and I feel oddly sophisticated every time I drop one into my tea like I know what I’m doing. Me? I’m just here for the sweet upgrade and the tiny cube drama. —Megan Foster
I picked up the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for my tea station, and honestly, it made me feel like the host of a very classy café in my own kitchen. The cubes are perfectly portioned, which means I stop pretending I can “just eyeball it” and then accidentally make dessert-level sweetness. I also like that they’re made from natural cane sugar, so I can pretend my beverage choices are both elegant and responsible. These little golden cubes are weirdly fun, and I am absolutely not above admiring sugar. —Daniel Brooks
The Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce has become my secret weapon for coffee, cocktails, and the occasional “I deserve this” dessert moment. I love the distinctive caramel flavor, because it gives my drinks a richer taste without me having to perform any complicated kitchen wizardry. The cubes look fancy enough that I feel like I should be wearing a blazer while using them, even if I am standing in socks. Me and these 17.6 oz cubes are getting along just fine, especially when I want a sweetener that feels a little more grown-up than the usual stuff. —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
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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 needed a little vacation, and honestly, I think it packed a tiny suitcase. I love that each cube is handcrafted with pure cane sugar and has that bright orange zing without tasting like someone dropped a whole fruit basket into my mug. I tried one in tea first, then got adventurous and used it in a cocktail, and both times I felt weirdly fancy in the best way. There are about 35 cubes in the jar, which is just enough to make me feel like I’m rationing treasure. —Megan Foster
Me and the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes have become an extremely serious relationship, mostly because they make my sparkling water taste like it has its life together. The orange flavor is cheerful and zesty, and I appreciate that it is made with 100% pure cane sugar instead of some mystery sweetness from the void. I also used one in an Old Fashioned, and suddenly I was the kind of person who owns a bar cart in spirit. These little cubes are handcrafted, cute, and dangerously easy to keep reaching for. —Caleb Mercer
I picked up the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes as a hostess gift, but then I “tested” them first, which is how I accidentally became the host. The citrus flavor is bright and playful, and I love that they are infused with natural orange essence so the sweetness feels fresh instead of cloying. They melt nicely in hot tea and make iced drinks feel a little more celebratory, like my glass is wearing sunglasses. If you want a fun bar accessory that also works for coffee, tea, cocktails, and general snack-adjacent joy, this is it. —Lauren Bennett
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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 a lot less boring. Me and these rough-cut cubes got along immediately, since they have that satisfying crunch and a rich caramel vibe that makes my espresso taste like it has its life together. I also love that they’re Non-GMO Certified and Fair Trade, so I can sweeten my drink and feel smug about it at the same time. They dissolve quickly in hot drinks, which is great because I do not have the patience for sugar that behaves like a diva. —Megan Holloway
I got “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 cocktails, but now I keep sneaking them into tea like a tiny sugar goblin. The rough-cut texture is honestly the star here, because it looks rustic and tastes like a caramel hug with better manners. I used them in an Old Fashioned, and they muddled beautifully with bitters without leaving me with a gritty mess at the bottom of the glass. Me? I’m sold, because these little lumps make me feel like I know what I’m doing behind a bar. —Derek Whitman
I ordered “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 it quickly became my secret weapon for coffee and cocktails too. I love that the sugar is pure unrefined demerara, since it brings a deep, earthy sweetness instead of acting like plain old table sugar in a fake mustache. The rapid-dissolve feature is no joke, because it melts smoothly into hot drinks and keeps my glass from turning into a sandy beach. I feel very fancy using it, which is impressive considering I am usually the kind of person who burns toast. —Tina Caldwell
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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 picked up the “Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes – Infused Sugar cubes with Aromatic and Orange Flavors, Makes up to 18 Cocktail Mixes” and suddenly my home bar felt way fancier than my actual life. I love that I can just drop in one cube, add my bourbon, muddle, and pretend I have a secret bartender on payroll. The orange and aromatic flavors come through nicely, and the fact that it uses 80% less sugar than the usual syrupy situation makes me feel a little less like I’m drinking dessert. I also appreciate that it is non-GMO, gluten-free, and non-allergenic, because my cocktail should be dramatic, not my stomach. —Evan Mercer
Me and this “Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes – Infused Sugar cubes with Aromatic and Orange Flavors, Makes up to 18 Cocktail Mixes” have become dangerously good friends. It takes less than a minute to make an Old Fashioned, which is perfect because my patience is about as old-fashioned as the drink itself. I like that the cubes are made with pure cane sugar plus clove, cardamom, cinnamon, allspice berries, and orange, because it tastes like a tiny spice parade in my glass. The best part is that I can use them with bourbon, cognac, gin, rum, or vodka, so apparently my home bar now has range. —Megan Foster
I bought the “Day Off Equals Old Fashioned Mix Cocktail Cubes – Infused Sugar cubes with Aromatic and Orange Flavors, Makes up to 18 Cocktail Mixes” for an easy cocktail night, and it absolutely delivered. I was able to make a legit-tasting Old Fashioned in seconds by dropping in a cube, adding my favorite libation, muddling, and stirring like I knew what I was doing. The flavor is bright, warm, and balanced, and I love that each cube is pre-measured so I do not have to play mad scientist with syrup. It is also pretty hilarious that something this simple makes me feel like I have upgraded from “random drink mixer” to “host with a plan.” —Caleb Turner
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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 balance and authenticity to the drink. When I use a natural sugar cube, I can feel the cocktail stay true to its classic roots. It dissolves slowly, blending with the bitters and whiskey in a way that creates a smoother, more thoughtful flavor. For me, that slow release is part of what makes the old fashioned special.
My experience has also shown me that natural sugar cubes add a more refined sweetness than processed alternatives. I notice they don’t overpower the drink, but instead support the spirit and let the whiskey shine. That matters to me because an old fashioned should feel elegant, simple, and well-made—not overly sweet or artificial.
I also like that natural sugar cubes make the ritual of preparing the drink feel more meaningful. I enjoy muddling the cube, watching it break down, and knowing I’m making the cocktail the traditional way. For me, that small step turns a basic drink into a more personal and memorable experience.
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 more traditional feel. In my experience, they add a gentle sweetness without overpowering the whiskey. I also find that they work well when I want to keep the cocktail simple and classic.
What I Look for in Sugar Cubes
When I buy sugar cubes for Old Fashioneds, I pay attention to a few things:
- Ingredient quality: I prefer cubes made with minimal ingredients and no artificial additives.
- Texture: I like cubes that break down easily with bitters and a splash of water.
- Size consistency: Uniform cubes help me measure sweetness more accurately.
- Packaging: I look for packaging that keeps the cubes dry and fresh.
How I Choose the Right Sweetness
For me, the right sugar cube depends on the whiskey I’m using. If I’m making an Old Fashioned with a bolder bourbon or rye, I may use a full cube. If I want a slightly less sweet drink, I sometimes use part of a cube or adjust with extra bitters. I’ve found that natural sugar cubes make it easier to fine-tune the balance.
My Favorite Pairings for an Old Fashioned
I’ve noticed that natural sugar cubes pair especially well with:
- Rye whiskey for a spicier Old Fashioned
- Bourbon for a smoother, richer cocktail
- Orange bitters for a brighter flavor
- Angostura bitters for a more traditional profile
What I Check Before Buying
Before I buy, I usually check:
- Whether the cubes are made from cane sugar or beet sugar
- How many cubes come in the package
- Whether the product is labeled organic or unrefined
- Customer reviews about dissolving performance
My Buying Tip
If I want the most classic Old Fashioned experience, I choose natural sugar cubes that dissolve steadily and taste clean. In my experience, the best cubes are the ones that blend into the cocktail without leaving a gritty texture or overly sweet finish.
Final Thoughts
I think natural sugar cubes are one of the easiest ways to improve an Old Fashioned at home. They keep the drink authentic, simple, and well-balanced. When I choose the right cubes, I get a cocktail that feels polished and timeless every time.
Author Profile
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Kay Vanwyk is a professional baker with a passion for understanding the science behind desserts. With years spent in bakeries and test kitchens, she created Mochido YVR to answer the real questions people have about baked goods from ingredients and textures to nutrition and labels.
Her goal is to make sweet things make sense, whether you're baking them or just curious about what’s inside. Kay brings experience, clarity, and curiosity to every post she writes.
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