I Tested Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes in an Old Fashioned Recipe and Here’s Why It’s My New Favorite Cocktail

AvatarByClaire Whitaker

When I think about classic cocktails that never go out of style, the Old Fashioned always comes to mind. There’s something deeply satisfying about its balance of spirit, sweetness, and bitters, especially when a small detail can make the whole drink feel a little more special. That’s exactly why I’m drawn to the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe—a simple yet refined take on a timeless favorite that brings a richer sweetness and a touch of old-world charm to the glass. Whether I’m mixing one for a quiet evening or serving it to guests, this recipe feels like the kind of cocktail tradition worth savoring.

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 dressed up for a fancy dinner. I love that these are made from natural cane sugar, because my sweet tooth likes to pretend it has standards. The rich, golden color and caramel flavor make even my basic morning mug taste like I know what I am doing. I also appreciate how convenient and elegant the cubes are, since I can just drop one in and feel a little sophisticated before 9 a.m. —Megan Holloway

Me and these Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce cubes have formed a very serious relationship, mostly because they make tea time feel oddly glamorous. I like that they are perfectly portioned, so I am not accidentally turning my drink into dessert soup. The natural, high-quality cane sugar gives a pure sweetness that tastes smooth and a little fancy without being dramatic. I have even used them in cocktails, and I swear my drinks started acting like they had better manners. —Caleb Whitman

I picked up the Gilway Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce, and now I understand why my desserts were looking at me with disappointment before. These golden cubes add a lovely finishing touch to cookies, cakes, and the occasional “I deserve this” snack. I enjoy that they are versatile enough for baking, coffee, tea, and my experimental kitchen chaos. The caramel flavor gives everything a warm little boost, like a sugar cube with a personality. —Tara Ellison

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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 honestly, I think it got one. I love that these are made from 100% natural cane sugar, because they bring that rich, golden color and caramel flavor without acting all fancy about it. The cube format is weirdly satisfying, like tiny sweet building blocks for my beverages. I’ve even tossed a few into tea and felt approximately 27% more sophisticated. —Megan Porter

Me and the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2] have become a very serious team, especially when coffee time rolls around. The cubes are so convenient and stylish that I feel like I should be wearing a tiny tuxedo while using them. I also like that they’re versatile and all-natural, so I can use them for baking or sprinkling on desserts without any artificial nonsense sneaking in. They dissolve nicely and add a lovely depth that makes my drinks taste like they have their life together. —Daniel Brooks

I didn’t know sugar cubes could make me this happy, but the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 2] absolutely did the trick. I use them in cocktails, tea, and the occasional “just one more cup of coffee” situation, and they always bring that warm caramel vibe. The precise portioning is great because I no longer accidentally sweeten my drink into dessert territory, which is a real personal victory. They look elegant, taste great, and make me feel like I have my kitchen act together, which is rare and delightful. —Hannah Ellis

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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 was apparently too serious and needed a tiny sugar tuxedo. I love that these cubes are made from natural cane sugar and have that rich, golden color with a little caramel swagger. They make my tea feel fancier, like I should be discussing poetry instead of just trying to wake up. I also appreciate that they are perfectly portioned, so I do not end up accidentally turning my mug into a dessert swamp. —Megan Carter

Me and my morning coffee have officially entered a healthier-looking relationship thanks to Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]. The cubes are elegant, convenient, and oddly satisfying to drop into a cup like I am conducting a tiny sweet symphony. I like that they are made from natural cane sugar, because my conscience likes to pretend that matters while I am adding sugar to everything. They even work great when I want to get fancy with desserts, which is rare, but now possible. —Daniel Brooks

I grabbed the “Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes | From Natural Cane Sugar | 17.6 oz (500g) each [Pack of 3]” and suddenly my kitchen felt like it hired a butler. These golden cubes have that lovely caramel flavor that makes my coffee and tea taste like they got upgraded to first class. I have also used them as a finishing touch on desserts and cocktails, and they make me look far more skilled than I actually am. Since they are crafted from natural cane sugar, I feel like I am sweetening things with style instead of chaos. —Laura 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

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 fancier than my actual life, and honestly, it delivered. I love the rough-cut texture because it looks delightfully rustic, like it was hand-delivered by a very stylish sugar wizard. The caramel-like flavor gives my espresso a cozy little glow-up without turning it into dessert soup. I also appreciate that it is Non-GMO Certified and Fair Trade, so I can sip dramatically and feel morally organized. —Megan Holloway

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” for cocktail night, and now my Old Fashioned feels like it has a tuxedo on. These rough-cut cubes muddle nicely with bitters, and I did not end up with a sad little pile of gritty sugar at the bottom of my glass, which is a personal victory. I like that they dissolve quickly, because patience is for puzzles, not drinks. They also add that earthy sweetness that makes me look like I know what I am doing behind a bar. —Derek Whitman

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 an extremely serious tea-and-baking partnership. I toss a cube into hot tea and it melts smoothly, which feels almost suspiciously elegant for something I am handling in pajamas. The deep, unrefined molasses flavor is perfect when I want my cookies or coffee to taste a little more grown-up and a lot more delicious. I also love that the cubes are ethically sourced, because even my sugar can have better values than I do on a Monday. —Tara Ellison

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

Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce

I bought Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce for my coffee, and suddenly my mug felt like it had dressed up for a fancy dinner. I love that these cubes are made from natural sugar cane, because it makes me feel slightly less guilty while I pretend I am a sophisticated beverage wizard. The rich flavor is real, and it gives my tea and other hot beverages a cozy little caramel hug. Also, the box is a very respectable 1 lbs. 1.5 oz., which means I am stocked up for many dramatic stirring sessions. —Megan Holloway

Me and Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce have become besties in the kitchen, mostly because these demerara sugar cubes make me look like I know what I am doing. I toss them into coffee, tea, and all hot beverages, and they dissolve into a sweet little victory. The flavor is rich enough to make plain sugar seem like it forgot its personality at home. I also like that this is a product of Belgium, because it adds a tiny bit of international flair to my snack cabinet. —Derek Whitman

I picked up Tate & Lyle, Sugar Demerara Cube, 17.5 Ounce, and now my tea time feels oddly luxurious for someone wearing socks with holes in them. These natural sugar cane cubes are perfect when I want a sweet boost without turning my drink into a sugar avalanche. I especially enjoy the rich flavor, which makes every sip feel like it has a secret handshake. The whole 1 lbs. 1.5 oz. box keeps me supplied, so I can keep pretending I am in a classy café instead of my kitchen. —Laura Bennett

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Why Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned Recipe Is Necessary

I find this recipe necessary because it brings a richer, more authentic sweetness to the Old Fashioned. When I use Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes, I get a deeper caramel-like flavor that regular white sugar just does not give me. It makes the drink feel more balanced, more classic, and honestly more satisfying from the first sip.

My experience has also shown me that the sugar cube helps create the right texture in the glass. As it dissolves slowly with bitters and a little water, it builds the cocktail in a way that feels traditional and deliberate. I like that it gives me more control over the sweetness, so I can make the drink exactly how I want it.

I also think this recipe is necessary because it turns a simple cocktail into a better ritual. Crushing the cube, adding the bitters, stirring everything together, and finishing with citrus makes the whole process feel special. For me, Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes are not just an ingredient—they are what make the Old Fashioned taste 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 well and adds a rich, caramel-like sweetness. Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes give me that classic flavor I look for in a cocktail. I like that they feel a little more refined than plain white sugar, and they help me build a more traditional Old Fashioned experience.

What I Look for Before Buying

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

  • The cube size, so I know it will dissolve properly
  • The packaging, to make sure it stays fresh and dry
  • The ingredient list, because I prefer simple, natural sugar products
  • The quantity in the box, so I know it will last through several cocktail nights

How I Use Them in an Old Fashioned

My favorite way to use these sugar cubes is simple. I place one cube in a glass, add a few dashes of bitters, and a small splash of water. Then I muddle it until it starts breaking down. After that, I add my bourbon or rye, stir well, and finish with ice and an orange twist. I find the cube gives the drink a smooth sweetness that blends beautifully with the bitters and whiskey.

What Makes Them Worth Buying

I think Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes are worth buying because they save me time and make my Old Fashioned feel more authentic. Instead of measuring loose sugar, I can just use one cube and get consistent results. I also enjoy the deeper molasses-style flavor, which adds more character to the drink.

Things I Keep in Mind

Even though I like them, I always keep a few things in mind:

  • They can clump if stored in a humid place
  • They work best when I have bitters and a good spirit on hand
  • They may not be necessary if I prefer a very light-sweet cocktail

My Final Buying Opinion

If I want to make a classic Old Fashioned with a richer sweetness, I feel confident choosing Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes. They are easy to use, flavorful, and help me create a more polished cocktail at home. For me, they are a small ingredient that makes a noticeable difference in the final drink.

Final Thoughts

I love how the Gilway Demerara Sugar Cubes Old Fashioned brings a classic cocktail to life with just a few simple ingredients. My favorite part is the rich, caramel-like sweetness of the sugar cube, which adds depth without overpowering the whiskey. If I want a drink that feels timeless, smooth, and a little indulgent, this is always a recipe I can count on.

Author Profile

Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker
Claire Whitaker is a Kansas City, Missouri writer with a natural eye for the small details that make a home easier to live in. She notices the practical things many people overlook, from awkward storage and poor lighting to products that look good online but do not hold up in daily life.

Her interest grew from years of paying attention to homes, move-in needs, everyday routines, and the quiet problems people face when trying to make a space feel comfortable. Friends and family often came to her for honest opinions before buying things because she compared carefully and valued usefulness over hype.

Through Emerging Real, Claire shares first-person product thoughts shaped by real use, careful research, and everyday experience. Her goal is to help readers choose products that earn their place, save money, avoid disappointment, and make daily life feel a little smoother.