Learn how to make sugar cubes from scratch and you’ll never buy store bought again. Plus, get the best tips and ideas for using them.
Don’t forget to check out more fantastic party recipes here, too!
It all started when I wanted to make champagne cocktails.
Of course, it’s easy enough to go to the store and buy a box of sugar cubes. But, why do that when there’s a container full of regular sugar right in your pantry?
So I decided to learn how to make sugar cubes on my own. And lo and behold, it’s super duper simple.
How to Make Sugar Cubes from Scratch
Seriously, making them from scratch is so easy, you’ll kick yourself for ever buying the pre-packaged version.
Plus, you can make your homemade sugar cubes so much more fun. Think about it:
- You can add extracts, oils, and dried citrus rind for an incredible flavor boost.
- Add a little food coloring so they match your party’s color palette.
- Use silicone molds to make them in your favorite shapes
5 Ways to use Sugar Cubes at your next party
Once I got started making these cuties, I couldn’t stop thinking about all the different ways to use them.
- Color them to match your party theme and put them in a pretty bowl next to the teapot for a high tea.
- Have a bowl of decorative sugar cubes made with bitters out on the bar for a New Year’s Eve party or bridal shower for make-your-own champagne cocktails.
- Make party favors for bridal showers or tea parties by putting a bag of colored and flavored cubes inside a thrifted tea cup.
- Add peppermint extract and offer them at a hot chocolate bar for the holidays.
- Use them to decorate cakes and cupcakes for your kids’ birthday parties without having to learn special piping skills
Tips for making sugar cubes:
- If your weather is extra humid, you may need to give your cubes a little bit more time to dry. Plan accordingly.
- Food coloring will affect the color of any resulting drink, so be warned.
- Gel food colors don’t dry the same way that traditional food coloring does, and may affect drying time.
- You can replace the water with flavorings like rose water, orange blossom water, or extracts.
- A tea towel, flour sack cloth, or parchment paper underneath your work surface helps make clean up easy-peasy!
Start By Getting these Essentials Ready (Mise en Place):
- Silicone Candy Mold (Here’s the set I used)
- Eyedropper (if using very strong flavorings)
- Flavorings (we made Orange Blossom Water and Rose Water. Both were awesome)
- Medium size mixing bowl
- Food Coloring
- Fork or whisk for mixing (I love my baby whisk)
- Towel or parchment paper for easy clean up
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
How to Make Sugar Cubes from Scratch
How to Make Sugar Cubes from Scratch
Learn how to make sugar cubes from scratch and you'll never buy store bought again. Plus, get the best tips and ideas for using them.
Ingredients
- 2 cups sugar
- 4 tsp water, extract, or flavored herbal water
- 5 drops food coloring, optional
Instructions
- Place sugar in a medium to large sized bowl (depending on the quantity you are making)
- In a small bowl, prepare water and/or extracts.
- Slowly add the liquid to the sugar, mixing well with a fork or whisk until sugar is damp, but not melting.
- Add food coloring to the sugar and water mixture, and continue mixing until the color is evenly distributed.
- Dump sugar mixture onto a silicone candy mold and press the mixture into the cavities so it is packed in tight.
- Allow sugar cubes to dry, uncovered, for 24 hours, or until the moisture has evaporated and the cubes are hardened.
Notes
To Make a Small Batch You Will Need:
- 1/4 + 1/8 cup sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon water, extract or flavored herbal water
- Optional: 2-3 drops of food coloring
Tips for Making Sugar Cubes:
- If your weather is extra humid, you may need to give your cubes a little bit more time to dry. Plan accordingly.
- Food coloring will affect the color of any resulting drink, so be warned.
- Gel food colors don't dry the same way that traditional food coloring does, and may affect drying time of your sugar cubes.
- You can replace the water with flavorings like rose water, orange blossom water, or extracts.
- A tea towel, flour sack cloth, or parchment paper underneath your work surface helps make clean up easy-peasy!
Nutrition Information:
Yield:
60Serving Size:
1 gramsAmount Per Serving: Unsaturated Fat: 0g
Now, It’s Your Turn
Just think about your next cup of coffee or tea, and how amazing it would be with an infusion of vanilla or orange water. And now that you know how to make sugar cubes, you can create your own custom latte (or champagne cocktail) flavor!
What flavor, shape, and color sugar cubes would you make?
How would you use your extra sugar cubes?
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Carolyn Overcash says
Make mini sundaes ahead. I use bathroom cups. Add ice cream of choice, syrup of choice, topping of choice, finish with whip cream topping. Cover or place sundaes in airtight container. Freeze. Top with sprinkles just before serving. Works for jello, puddings, just don’t freeze, refrigerate instead. Can add party umbrellas, swizzle sticks, cherries, etc just before serving. Serve in small glasses too. Just keep under 4 ounces.
Lauren } Mom Home Guide says
This is such a cute idea! Thanks for sharing your sugar cube recipe at the Merry Monday linky party!
frugal hausfrau says
What a fun idea, Leslie, and then I saw your champagne cocktail and now I want to make those so I can drop one of these sugar cubes in it and see what happens, lol!!
Happy Fiesta Friday!
Mollie
Kimberly says
These are so cute!!!!
Candy says
I am making these soon. Found you on Bloggers Pit Stop link party
Angie | Fiesta Friday says
What fun! And they look adorable! Thanks for bringing this cute idea to Fiesta Friday Link Party!
Abigail Antonion says
I can’t wait to make these! Now, for a reason to host a party.. I guess I could make St. Patricks day a good enough reason to make these {smile}
Thanks for sharing an easy to print recipe!
Abigail Joy
Jen @Cincy Shopper says
Thank you for the party!
Debbie Kitterman says
Leslis – I just love this idea – what a perfect addition these would make so wedding or baby showers or even a Mother’s Day Event. I am featuring you over at #TuneInThursday tomorrow. Thanks for being faithful to linkup each week.
Lissa says
We are doing a tea party for our daughter’s 5th birthday in several months and I’m so glad I found your post!! She loves tea and is not a fan of the birthday song and large parties and such so I think she will enjoy a simple tea party. I think these sugar cubes would be fantastic! Now I want to see if I can find a small shark mold to shape them in her favorite for her! I’m super excited now haha!!
Leslie says
I’m so glad this was helpful! Your daughter’s party sounds wonderful. These molds look like the right size for you (affiliate link): Sea Creature Silicone Gummy Molds
Have a great party!
debby malcolm says
Can you make these in plastic chocolate molds?
These look amazing!
Leslie says
You might be able to do that. However, i recommend the silicone molds (which can also be used for chocolate) because it’s easier to remove the sugar cubes.