How To Make Sugar Cubes

Make your next in-house coffee date so chic with Homemade Sugar Cubes.

It’s always the little touches that add a sense of sophistication to a place. In my twenties, I often visited Café Lalo, a charming French café on the Upper West Side. This chic brunch spot gained fame through the Tom Hanks movie “You’ve Got Mail.” I would read and enjoy a coffee or mimosa, depending on my plans for the day. While the stylish bistro tiles, worldly yet simple menu, and haughty servers/models created an air of elegance, what truly captivated me were the sugar cubes. If my coffee came with a standard sugar caddy, I think the entire vibe would be ruined. From that moment on, I wanted to make homemade sugar cubes. They would be the exclusive way to sweeten coffee in my home.

Once deemed a total luxury, sugar cubes were invented in Europe (like everything classy) and became popular in America in the late 1800s. Jakub Kryštof Rad, the managing director at a Czech sugar factory, developed the idea of sugar cubes. By adding just a drop of water to cane sugar and forming the mixture into cubes, then allowing it to dry, he made a convenient way to have a precise portion of sugar. They are also easily portable for coffee or tea.

Now, this may be one of the simplest, yet most elegant recipes I have written. There are only two ingredients. While I can’t go in-depth about the robust flavors you’ll be enjoying, I can tell you that making homemade sugar cubes is very easy and affordable, but goes a long way. While the process takes approximately eight hours to complete, your effort is required for only a couple of minutes.

Fitting the mold for homemade sugar cubes

After creating your sugar mixture, all that is left to do is pour. Choosing the shape of your sugar cubes can be either totally creative or very simple. You will use a silicone mold with small depressions to structure your sugar cubes, which can be purchased at any craft store. I had one with little stars from a project I did for my daughter’s preschool, so my last batch was pretty fun.

However, before having kids, I didn’t have every craft item imaginable, so I used a small cookie sheet. Line the cookie sheet with parchment paper, pour your sugar mixture, and score your ideal cube size. Let the cubes sit until they have hardened, then break or cut them into small pieces. This method gives them a rustic, very homemade feel, similar to the ones I fell in love with at Café Lalo.

How do I store leftovers?

Once your homemade sugar cubes are hardened and dry, carefully remove them from the tray. You can store them in an airtight container, at room temperature, for up to TWO YEARS. I told you they would go a long way. Be sure to serve your hard work in a posh little dish.

Serving suggestions

Serving your homemade sugar cubes with dessert and coffee at home is sure to elevate the experience. Serve with Iced Coffee, that tastes like it came from an overpriced coffee shop, hot coffee, or a selection of your favorite teas. Stay on top of the class and pair your homemade sugar cubes with decadent New York Cheesecake or light Lemon Bars. Finally, your homemade sugar cubes can be used to sweeten your favorite adult beverages. Use them in a classic French 75 Cocktail or in a Perfect Old Fashioned.