We’ve gathered ideas for magic tricks using cups and glasses that are perfect for beginners who want to try magic for the first time.
From the classic cups and balls to coin-through-glass tricks, quick and easy effects, and routines that require a bit of practice, there’s a wide range to choose from.
These tricks use props that are simple to prepare, so you can give them a try the same day you get inspired.
If you want to expand your magic repertoire or are planning to perform magic for an event or entertainment segment, be sure to use this article as a reference.
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Magic tricks using cups: illusions you’ll want to try for parties and performances (1–10)
Floating paper cup
This is a magic trick video where a paper cup appears to float in midair.
It’s a simple trick that only requires a single paper cup—super easy and straightforward, so anyone can do it.
First, make a hole in the cup just big enough for your thumb.
Then place the cup in your left hand, wave your right hand above it, and secretly insert your left thumb into the hole to make it look like the cup is floating.
Since this trick relies heavily on performance, be sure to practice well before trying it.
Magic that changes the color of a paper cup
This is a magic trick where you stack a paper cup with a red dot so it shows through a hole in the base paper cup, but the audience sees a black dot where the red one should be.
A short piece with a black mark is hidden at the top of the base cup, and the cup with the red dot is used to push this piece down.
The key point is how you set up the piece: with a light adhesive, it’s hard to notice anything unusual, and the pushing cup can easily drop it all the way down.
Be mindful of how you move the cup with the red dot, and we recommend a performance that makes it look like the color changes instantly.
Banknote cup and balls
A thousand-yen bill that should be in the cup ends up coming out of your pocket, or turns into coins…
It’s a magic routine full of impossibly strange moments.
You borrow a 10-yen coin and a 1,000-yen bill from a spectator.
The 10-yen coin goes into your pocket, and the 1,000-yen bill is rolled up, placed in a cup, and set down with the mouth facing down.
You ask, “Where is the 1,000 yen now?”—but for some reason, the bill that should be in the cup has moved to your pocket! This time, when you put it in your pocket, in the very next moment it somehow appears back inside the cup.
For the finale, when you open the cup, instead of the bill there’s 1,000 yen in the form of twenty 50-yen coins! And along with them, the 10-yen coin that was supposedly in your pocket the whole time also appears.
It’s a routine that gets the audience involved and lets everyone have fun.
Magic where the poured water disappears
This video features classic magic tricks that you might feel awkward asking about now: a pen piercing through paper, a string transforming into a handkerchief, and water vanishing from a paper cup—three timeless routines.
They’re all simple and easy to perform, so I think anyone, from adults to children, can do them.
Each trick includes an explanation of the method and gimmick based on the successful performance image, so be sure to check them out, practice, and show them off in various situations.
Magic that instantly pours a drink
This is a magic trick using cups where you make it look like a drink is poured instantly.
In advance, prepare and set up two identical glasses: one empty and one filled with a drink.
Colored drinks work especially well because the contrast with the empty glass is obvious—orange juice or cola are good choices.
When performing, show the empty glass first, then use a large magician’s handkerchief to cover your hands, switch it with the prepared glass filled with the drink, and reveal it.
Making it appear as if the drink was poured instantly creates a highly attention-grabbing trick and is recommended.
Of course, it takes practice, but it’s surprisingly easy.
A ball that won’t fall out of the cup (vanishing style)
A ball that was supposed to be in a paper cup disappears? It’s a mysterious magic trick.
You place a small ball—like a marble or a super ball—into a paper cup, then cast a spell and tilt the cup, but for some reason the ball doesn’t come out and seems to vanish.
All you need to prepare is a stopper-like slit near the bottom of the paper cup.
When you put the ball in, slip your finger into this slit to hold the ball in place so it won’t fall.
That’s how it looks as if the ball has disappeared.
To make the ball reappear, simply remove your finger from the slit stopper.
With a little attention to presentation, anyone can do it easily!
Magic where a coin passes through the bottom of a glass
A magic trick where a coin passes through the bottom of a glass.
It may look flashy, but precise hand movements and timing are what make it work.
With everyday items like a glass and a coin, you can create an effect that amazes everyone.
But if you don’t practice enough, it can fall flat.
To create a strong moment, it’s important to refine your moves.
Even if someone knows the secret, they’ll still be impressed by the finesse.
Perform it at a get-together or party, and it’s sure to spark conversation.
For both the performer and the audience, it will be a memorable and wonderful piece of magic.