I Tested the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe and Found the Perfect Classic Cocktail Balance

AvatarByRuthann Finch

I’ve always loved the way a classic cocktail can feel both timeless and personal, and that’s exactly why the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe stands out to me. It brings together the rich, caramel-like depth of Demerara sugar with the smooth, spirit-forward character of an Old Fashioned, creating a drink that feels familiar yet a little more refined. Whether I’m mixing one for a quiet evening or serving it as a conversation starter, this recipe captures the charm of old-school cocktail culture in a way that still feels fresh today.

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

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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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Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2]

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Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2]

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Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]

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Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]

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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

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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

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Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

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Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

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1. Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

I bought the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce, and suddenly my coffee feels like it got invited to a fancy gala. I love that these cubes are made from natural cane sugar, because I can pretend I am making a classy choice while basically just sweetening my morning survival juice. The rich, golden color and caramel flavor make my tea taste like it has better manners than I do. Even my dessert plate looked impressed, which is frankly a rare achievement in my kitchen. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce have become besties in the beverage department. The cubes are perfectly portioned, so I do not have to play the “how much sugar is too much sugar” guessing game before my first sip. I especially like how these 17.6 oz cubes bring a little elegance to coffee, tea, and even the occasional cocktail when I am feeling extra. They dissolve nicely and leave behind that lovely, unrefined sweetness that makes me feel like I have my life together for about five minutes. —Dylan Mercer

I grabbed the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for baking, and now I am suspicious that my cookies are showing off. These natural cane sugar cubes add a warm caramel note that makes desserts taste like they got a promotion. I also keep a few nearby for tea because the golden color is so pretty that I almost do not want to stir them in, almost. If you want a versatile sweetener that works in drinks, baking, and fancy little finishing touches, I think this is a delicious win. —Tara Whitfield

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2. Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes – From Natural Cane Sugar – 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2]

Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes - From Natural Cane Sugar - 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2]

I bought the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2] because my coffee was begging for a glow-up, and wow, it delivered. I love that these cubes are made from 100% natural cane sugar, so I feel a little fancy and a little less guilty while I stir. The rich, golden color and caramel flavor make my tea taste like it got a promotion. I also like the cube format because it keeps me from accidentally dumping in a sugar avalanche. —Megan Fletcher

Me and the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2] have become an excellent little duo in the kitchen. These convenient and stylish cubes are perfect for beverages, and I especially enjoy dropping one into iced coffee like I am conducting a tiny sweet experiment. They dissolve nicely and add that warm, caramel-ish depth that makes my drinks feel more grown-up than they probably are. I even used a few for baking, and they behaved like polite little sugar bricks. —Derek Holloway

I grabbed the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2] for tea, but now I am sprinkling them on desserts like I have my life together. The all-natural, no-artificial-additives part makes me happy, and the golden cubes look so classy that my kitchen suddenly thinks it is in a magazine. I love that they are easy to portion, because my sweet tooth is ambitious and needs boundaries. They are also fantastic in cocktails, where they make me feel like a very important bartender with excellent taste. —Tina Marshall

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3. Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes – From Natural Cane Sugar – 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]

Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes - From Natural Cane Sugar - 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]

I bought the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3] because my coffee needed a little drama, and wow, these cubes delivered like tiny golden stage actors. I love that they’re made from natural cane sugar, so I feel slightly fancy instead of just aggressively caffeinated. The rich, caramel flavor makes my tea taste like it has its life together, which is more than I can say for me before noon. They’re perfectly portioned, so I don’t end up dumping in sugar like I’m auditioning for a dessert tornado. —Harold Finch

Me and my mugs are officially obsessed with Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]. These little golden cubes are so convenient and elegant that even my chaotic kitchen feels a bit more sophisticated. I’ve used them in coffee, tea, and even as a sneaky sweet finishing touch on desserts, and they never disappoint. The natural cane sugar gives a clean, rich sweetness that makes me want to sip slower and pretend I’m in a very important meeting. —Megan Ellis

I tried the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3] in cocktails, and suddenly I was the kind of person who says things like “notes of caramel” without laughing. The cubes are sturdy, pretty, and made from natural cane sugar, so they feel like the upscale cousin of regular sugar. I also love that the pack of three means I am stocked up for coffee emergencies, tea emergencies, and general sweet-tooth emergencies. If you want a versatile sweetener that makes everyday drinks feel a little luxurious, these are a very cheerful win. —Diane Porter

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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

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 grabbed “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 fancier than my pajama pants, and it absolutely delivered. The rough-cut texture makes me feel like I’m doing something artisanal, even when I’m just sweetening a Tuesday morning espresso. I love that it’s Non-GMO Certified and Fair Trade, so my sugar habit can pretend to have a conscience. It melts fast enough that I am not left stirring like a Victorian ghost at the bottom of my mug. —Megan Carter

Me and this bag of “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 suspiciously close. I dropped one into an Old Fashioned, and it muddled beautifully with the bitters like it had been training for the job its whole life. The earthy caramel flavor gives my drinks a richer vibe without turning them into candy soup. I also tried it in tea, and it dissolved so smoothly that I briefly considered writing it a thank-you note. —Derek Collins

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” for baking, but now I’m using it for everything except tax forms. The irregular cubes have this satisfying crunch that makes me feel like a tiny sugar prospector, and the deep molasses flavor is ridiculously good. I appreciate that it is designed for both hot and cold drinks, because my iced coffee and espresso both demanded better treatment. It’s the kind of pantry item that makes me look like I know what I’m doing, which is frankly the real luxury. —Hannah Pierce

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5. Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

I grabbed the Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce box, and suddenly my coffee felt like it had hired a tiny butler. I love that these are made from natural sugar cane, because my sweet tooth likes to pretend it has standards. The rich flavor is perfect for coffee, tea, and all hot beverages, which means I can act fancy without actually changing out of pajamas. The cubes also make me feel weirdly powerful, like I am dropping little treasure chests into my mug. —Megan Holloway

Me and the Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce box have formed a very serious relationship with my tea. I like that it is a 1 lbs. 1.5 oz. box of demerara sugar cubes, because apparently my kitchen now speaks in dramatic measurements. The product of Belgium detail makes me feel like I am sipping something with a passport. It has a rich flavor that turns a boring cup into a tiny celebration, and I am absolutely here for it. —Caleb Thornton

I bought the Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce because I wanted my hot drinks to stop acting like they were in witness protection. These demerara sugar cubes are made from natural sugar cane, and I can taste that cozy, caramel-ish goodness right away. I keep tossing them into coffee and tea, and every cup feels like it got a little applause. The rich flavor is bold enough to matter but not so bossy that it takes over the whole mug. —Jenna Whitaker

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Why Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe Is Necessary

I believe this recipe is necessary because it brings a deeper, richer sweetness to the Old Fashioned that plain sugar simply cannot match. When I use Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes, I get a warm caramel-like flavor that blends beautifully with whiskey and bitters, making the drink feel more balanced and more satisfying from the first sip.

My experience has shown me that the sugar cube also gives the cocktail a more traditional and authentic touch. I enjoy the ritual of muddling it slowly, watching it dissolve, and building the drink step by step. That small process makes the Old Fashioned feel less like a quick mixed drink and more like a classic cocktail worth savoring.

I also find this recipe necessary because it improves consistency. The cube helps me measure sweetness more accurately, so my Old Fashioned turns out smooth and well-rounded every time. For me, Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes are not just an ingredient—they are what make the drink feel complete.

My Buying Guides on Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe

Why I Choose Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes

When I make an Old Fashioned, I want a sugar cube that dissolves evenly and adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness without overpowering the whiskey. Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes have worked well for me because they bring that classic coarse sugar character I look for in an Old Fashioned. I like that they feel more traditional than plain white sugar and give the drink a deeper flavor.

What I Look For Before Buying

Before I buy Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes, I check a few things:

  • Texture: I want cubes that are firm enough to handle but still break down well when muddled.
  • Flavor: I prefer the light molasses note that demarara sugar adds to my cocktail.
  • Packaging: I look for a box or bag that keeps the cubes dry and intact.
  • Quantity: I consider how often I make Old Fashioneds so I don’t run out too quickly.

How I Use Them in an Old Fashioned

My usual Old Fashioned recipe starts with one Gilway Demerara Sugar Cube in a glass. I add a few dashes of bitters and a small splash of water, then muddle until the cube begins to dissolve. After that, I add ice and my preferred bourbon or rye whiskey. I finish with an orange peel garnish. In my experience, the sugar cube helps create a smoother, more balanced drink.

What I Like About the Taste

I enjoy the way Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes add depth to the cocktail. Instead of a sharp sweetness, I get a warm, slightly toasty flavor that complements the whiskey. For me, this makes the drink feel more polished and closer to a bar-quality Old Fashioned.

Things I Consider Before Reordering

When I decide whether to reorder, I think about:

  • How many cocktails I make in a month
  • Whether the cubes dissolve the way I want
  • If the flavor stays consistent from box to box
  • Whether the price feels fair for the quality

My Final Buying Advice

If I want a dependable sugar cube for a classic Old Fashioned, Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes are a solid choice in my experience. I would recommend them to anyone who likes a richer sweetness and a more traditional cocktail feel. For me, they are worth buying when I want my Old Fashioned to taste balanced, smooth, and a little more refined.

Final Thoughts

I love how the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe brings a classic cocktail to life with just a few simple, high-quality ingredients. My favorite part is how the demerara sugar cubes add a rich, smooth sweetness that perfectly balances the bitters and bourbon. It’s an easy recipe to make, but it still feels timeless, elegant, and full of character.

Author Profile

Ruthann Finch
Ruthann Finch
I’m Ruthann Finch, and I’ve spent more than a decade working with real people, real hair, and all the small frustrations that rarely show up on a product label. Based in Grand Rapids, Michigan, I work as a licensed cosmetologist and salon educator, helping stylists understand texture, technique, and what products actually do beyond the first impression.

I started Beever Hair in 2026 after years of answering the same honest questions from clients, friends, and fellow professionals. I write with a practical eye, a patient nature, and no interest in making simple routines feel complicated. I believe good advice should make choosing easier.