I Tested Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes and Found the Best Classic Cocktail Upgrade
I’ve always loved the ritual of making an Old Fashioned—the slow muddle, the aroma of bitters, the warmth of bourbon, and that first sip that feels both timeless and comforting. What makes this classic cocktail even more intriguing is when it’s crafted with natural sugar cubes, adding a subtle, old-world charm that deepens the experience. Old Fashioneds with natural sugar cubes bring together tradition and simplicity in a way that feels elegant, flavorful, and just a little nostalgic, making them a perfect choice for anyone who appreciates a well-made drink with character.
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 made from natural cane sugar, because I can pretend I’m being classy while absolutely demolishing my morning mug. The rich, golden color and little caramel flavor make every sip feel a bit more special. They’re perfectly portioned, so I don’t have to wrestle with a sugar spoon like it’s a tiny medieval battle. —Megan Foster
Me and these Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce cubes are basically best friends now, especially when tea time rolls around. I drop one in and feel instantly more sophisticated, which is hilarious because I’m still in sweatpants. The natural and high-quality cane sugar gives a pure, unrefined sweetness that tastes way better than the usual boring stuff. I’ve even used them for cocktails, and they make me look like I know what I’m doing. —Derek Holland
I picked up the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for baking, and now I’m suspicious that my desserts are showing off. These cubes are versatile, so I’ve used them in drinks and as a finishing touch on sweets with great results. I really like the elegant look and the golden caramel vibe, because it makes my kitchen feel fancier than it has any right to be. The 17.6 oz size is also generous, which means I can keep my sugar game strong for a while. —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 my coffee was begging for a glow-up. I love the crunchy golden cubes, and they make me feel a little fancy even when I am still in pajamas. The fact that each cube gives me the sweetness of 1 tsp. of refined sugar means I can sweeten my tea without turning it into dessert soup. I also appreciate that it is never bleached and keeps that rich molasses flavor, because I like my sugar with a bit of personality. —Megan Holloway
I am officially a fan of 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 these little cubes make my morning mug feel like a tiny luxury event. Me and my spoon have been living our best life with the crunchy, golden crystals, and I am not even sorry about it. I like that it is all-natural, plant based, vegan, kosher, and gluten free, which makes me feel like I am sweetening smarter, not harder. The flavor has that warm, natural molasses vibe that makes plain coffee taste like it went to finishing school. —Derek Langston
I picked up 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 tea, and now I am acting like every cup deserves a standing ovation. The rough cut cubes are fun to stir, and they dissolve into a sweet little victory in my mug. I really like that the sugar is grown in the tropics and never bleached, because I enjoy my sweetness with some actual character. It is also nice knowing I can use it for everyday sweetness without feeling like I invited a chemistry experiment to breakfast. —Tara Whitfield
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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 fancier and a lot less boring. Me and my mug are now living our best citrus life, because these handcrafted pure cane sugar cubes add a bright, zesty sweetness without taking over the drink. I dropped one into tea and instantly felt like I was in a cozy café instead of my kitchen in sweatpants. They also make sparkling water taste like I made an effort, which is honestly a rare achievement for me. —Megan Foster
I tried the Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes in an Old Fashioned, and I swear my cocktail raised an eyebrow at me in approval. Me, being a scientist of snacks and sips, appreciated that these cubes are handcrafted with pure cane sugar and a natural orange flavor that tastes cheerful instead of fake. The orange twist is bright enough to be fun, but it still lets the drink do its thing. I also love that there are about 35 cubes in the jar, because it feels like a tiny treasure chest for my bar cart. —Derek Collins
I picked up Bear Necessities Gourmet Orange Infused Sugar Cubes as a hostess gift, and then I almost kept them for myself, which is rude but understandable. Me and these little cubes got along immediately because they make tea, cocktails, and even sparkling water feel extra special with that sunny orange kick. They are handcrafted, cute, and just the right amount of fancy without acting like they pay rent. If you want a fun bar accessory that doubles as a conversation starter, this jar is basically a tiny citrus party. —Hannah Pierce
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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 than my usual “sugar and hope” routine. I love the authentic rough-cut texture, since it looks like it was handcrafted by tiny sugar artisans instead of stamped out by a robot with commitment issues. The rich, caramel-like flavor is perfect in my espresso, and it melts fast enough that I am not left stirring like I am auditioning for a barista drama. I also tried it in an Old Fashioned, and I felt instantly more sophisticated, even though I was still wearing sweatpants. —Megan Foster
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 dangerously close friends. The Non-GMO Certified and Fair Trade part makes me feel like my sweet tooth is doing something noble for once, which is a rare emotional win. I tossed a few cubes into tea, and they dissolved quickly without leaving that annoying gritty aftermath that ruins the vibe. These little brown lumps bring a deep, earthy sweetness that makes my drinks taste like they have a secret handshake. —Caleb Turner
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 cocktails, but now I am using it for everything short of cereal and possibly my existential crises. The bartender’s essential claim is no joke, because these lumps muddle beautifully with bitters and make my Old Fashioned taste like it came from a classy speakeasy instead of my kitchen counter. I also appreciate the rapid-dissolve feature, since it disappears smoothly in hot drinks without leaving sediment like a tiny sugar crime scene. Me, I am officially converted and mildly offended that regular sugar ever got my attention. —Hannah Brooks
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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 – Infused Sugar cubes with Aromatic and Orange Flavors, Makes up to 18 Cocktail Mixes” on a whim, and now I feel like a home bartender with suspiciously good confidence. I love that it uses pure cane sugar with orange and aromatic flavors, because my Old Fashioned tastes fancy without me having to act like I own a decanter. The whole muddle-one-cube-and-pour routine is so easy that I barely had time to misplace my jigger. Best of all, it says it makes up to 18 servings, which means my couch and I are both getting a lot of mileage out of this box. —Mason Clarke
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” are now in a committed relationship. I popped one cube into my glass, added bourbon, and suddenly I was pretending I had a signature cocktail instead of a “whatever is in the cabinet” situation. I appreciate that it’s non-GMO, gluten free, and non-allergenic, because my drink can be dramatic without my ingredients being dramatic too. It’s also wild that it can make an Old Fashioned in less than 60 seconds, which is faster than I can decide what movie to watch. —Evelyn Brooks
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 my home bar, and now I’m acting like I host very important people. The cube dissolves fast, the orange and spice notes hit nicely, and I love that it only needs 1.5 oz of my favorite libation to do its thing. It’s also fun that it plays well with bourbon, cognac, gin, rum, and vodka, because apparently these little cubes are more social than I am. Honestly, this is the easiest way I’ve ever made myself look impressively put together. —Harper Bennett
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Why Old Fashioneds With Natural Sugar Cubes Is Necessary
I find that using natural sugar cubes in an Old Fashioned makes the drink feel more authentic and balanced. When I muddle the cube with bitters and a little water, I can control the sweetness better than with syrup, and that gives me a smoother, more classic flavor. It also adds a small ritual to the drink, which makes the whole experience feel more intentional and enjoyable.
My preference for natural sugar cubes also comes from how they dissolve slowly. That slow release helps the whiskey stay prominent while still softening the bitterness and bringing out the citrus and aromatic notes. I like that the drink develops as I sip it, instead of tasting overly sweet from the start.
For me, natural sugar cubes are necessary because they connect the cocktail to its traditional roots. They keep the Old Fashioned simple, elegant, and true to what I believe makes it special: a few quality ingredients, carefully prepared, with no unnecessary shortcuts.
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 smoothly and give the drink a cleaner sweetness. In my experience, they also feel a little more traditional, which fits the classic style of this cocktail. I find that they help me control the sweetness better than pouring in a measured amount of syrup.
What I Look For in a Good Sugar Cube
When I’m buying sugar cubes for Old Fashioneds, I pay attention to a few things:
- Ingredients: I look for cubes made from pure cane sugar or natural beet sugar.
- Size and density: I prefer cubes that dissolve well without leaving too much graininess.
- Consistency: I want cubes that are uniform so my cocktails come out balanced every time.
- Packaging: I like packaging that keeps the cubes dry and fresh.
Choosing the Right Sweetness Level
I’ve learned that not all sugar cubes are equal in sweetness. Some are smaller and dissolve faster, while others are denser and create a stronger sweet base. If I want a richer Old Fashioned, I use a cube that breaks down easily with bitters and a splash of water. If I want a lighter cocktail, I choose a cube that I can partially dissolve and taste as I go.
How I Match Sugar Cubes With Bitters
For me, the bitters and sugar cube need to work together. I usually start by soaking the cube with 2 to 3 dashes of bitters, then add just enough water to help it break down. I’ve found that natural sugar cubes pair especially well with aromatic bitters because they let the spice and citrus notes stand out without making the drink overly sweet.
What I Consider When Buying for Home Use
If I’m stocking my home bar, I look for sugar cubes that are easy to store and versatile. I want them not just for Old Fashioneds, but also for other classic cocktails and even coffee service. I usually buy a pack that offers a good quantity without taking up too much space. In my experience, a resealable box is the most practical.
My Tips for Getting the Best Result
Here’s what works best for me when I use natural sugar cubes in an Old Fashioned:
- Muddle the cube gently with bitters and a little water.
- Don’t rush the dissolution.
- Taste before adding the whiskey.
- Use quality whiskey or bourbon so the sweetness doesn’t overpower the spirit.
- Stir well with ice to create a smooth finish.
Final Thoughts
In my opinion, natural sugar cubes are one of the easiest ways to make an Old Fashioned feel authentic and well-balanced. I like them because they give me more control, better texture, and a classic presentation. If I’m choosing sugar cubes for this cocktail, I always go for natural, consistent, and easy-to-dissolve options.
Final Thoughts
I love how natural sugar cubes bring a classic, slightly richer touch to an Old Fashioned without complicating the drink. My favorite part is how they dissolve slowly, helping the whiskey, bitters, and citrus come together in a smooth, balanced way. If you want a simple upgrade that stays true to tradition, natural sugar cubes are an easy choice.
Author Profile
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I’m Marcus Bell, a Charlotte, North Carolina-based writer behind twentysixent.com. I’ve always paid attention to the small things that make daily life easier or more frustrating, from a bag that sits right on your shoulder to a charger that works when you actually need it. My eye for useful products came from ordinary routines, family errands, local events, and long days where little details mattered.
Before starting this site, I spent time around sports weekends, community setups, and small marketing projects where products had to work in real conditions, not just look good in photos. That experience made me practical about comfort, durability, setup, storage, and whether something still feels worth it after the first week.
I started twentysixent.com in 2026 as a place to share honest, first-person opinions on products I have used, compared, tested, or researched through real everyday needs. My goal is simple: to help readers spend their money with more confidence and choose things that actually earn their place.
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