Novelty Sugar Cubes: Mermaid Sugar for Tea
Want to add some fun and creativity to your next tea party? Try making these adorable novelty sugar cubes shaped like mermaid tails! With just a few simple ingredients like sugar, water, and food coloring, you can easily mold these sugar cubes into any shape you desire. And for added flair, add in some flavorings like rose water or lavender to give your tea a subtle and delicious taste. These mermaid tail sugar cubes are perfect for a mermaid-themed tea party, or any occasion where you want to add a little whimsy and charm to your beverage service. So why not impress your guests and give this fun and easy recipe a try today?
Where did Sugar Cubes Come From?
The sugar cube first came from the Czech Republic and was invented by a Swiss man named Jakob Christian Rad during the early 1840s.
Before this time, sugar was made in large cone shaped blocks, often referred to as sugar loaves. Pieces of sugar would be chipped off using sugar nippers, then dunked into hot tea and then reused until fully dissolved.
Sugar loaves came from the Caribbean and Brazil during Colonial times. The raw sugar from plantations would be boiled and poured into cone shaped molds. These sugar loaves were then transported to Europe and other places to enjoy with tea.
How do you Make Flavoured Sugar Cubes?
To make these flavored mermaid sugar cubes, I like to use rose water because everyone knows that mermaids smell just like roses! Ok, maybe not but rose is probably the prettiest and possibly the sweetest flower there is and I think it makes the sugar cubes that little more appealing.
If you would rather not use rosewater, swap for plain water here. You can also add a few drops of vanilla, coconut, almond or use any of your favourite flavourings.
How do you Make Lavender Sugar Cubes?
If you would like to make fragrant lavender mermaid sugar cubes, you can add a teaspoon of dried lavender to the sugar mix. Press firmly into your mold and allow to fully dry.
How Much Sugar and Water Should I Use in Making Sugar Cubes?
I always use 1 cup of granulated sugar per 1 teaspoon of water or rose water. Split the sugar and water in equal parts depending on how many colours you wish to use. Example: I’m using 3 colours and therefore I’m using 1/3 cup of sugar in each bowl with 1/3 teaspoon of water.
When mixing the sugar and water together, it’s best to leave the water on top of the sugar to melt for a few moments before mixing in. I find this helps with the sticking together. Add the food colouring and mix until well combined, until it has a wet sand consistency (about the perfect consistency for building sandcastles).
Firmly press into your silicone mould and leave overnight (at least 12 hours) Alternatively, place in the microwave at 15 second intervals until they are hard enough to remove. Be careful not to over heat them or they will melt and bubble.
If you are using the mermaid tail mould, take lots of care getting them out because they break very easily. I find it’s easier to push them out from the bottom, TAIL FIRST. Alternatively, you can use other moulds such as stars, hearts or flowers.
Depending on the air temperature and humidity, the sugar cubes will take more or less time to dry.
What is the Equivalent of a Sugar Cube?
One sugar cube is usually equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar. However, if you are making your own sugar cubes in novelty shapes, the amount of sugar used can vary greatly. For instance, these mermaid sugar cubes are around 2 teaspoons of sugar each.
How Many Grams are in a Sugar Cube?
One sugar cube is usually equivalent to one teaspoon of sugar which is just over 4 grams. However, depending on the mould used, this amount can vary. These mermaid sugar cubes that I have made are around 2 teaspoons of sugar which is just over 8 grams of sugar in each.
How do you Make Sugar Cubes Without a Mould?
If you don’t have a cute shaped silicone mould like the mermaid one I’m using, you can alternatively use an ice cube mould. An ice cube mould maybe a little more rigid and prove difficult when removing the finished sugar cubes. In that case, you can line the ice cube mould with cling film/plastic wrap.
You can also make one large sugar cube with the mixture. Flatten out into a small lined brownie tin, loaf pan or whatever you have. Ensure that it is no more than 1cm in thickness and using a knife, score the top into cubes. Scoring the top will make it a little easier to break into cubes when the sugar has fully dried.
How to Make Novelty Sugar Cubes From Scratch
INGREDIENTS (Makes 20+ Sugar Cubes)
1 cup of granulated sugar
1 teaspoon of rose water (or water)
Food colouring
Edible glitter
METHOD
In a bowl, add the sugar.
Next, add the rosewater and food coloring. Allow to sit for a few moments so that the sugar melts a little.
Mix together until well combined and is a wet sand consistency.
Sprinkle the edible glitter into the molds.
Firmly press the sugar into the molds and set aside over night (at least 12 hours).
Alternatively, place in the microwave for 15 second intervals until the sugar is dry and hard enough to push out of the molds.
Carefully remove the sugar cubes and enjoy in all of your favorite tea recipes :)
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