A tea bag press and container assembly configured for receiving a tea bag during or after brewing, which conceals the wet tea bag, collects dripping liquid, and extracts tea liquid essence by efficiently compressing the wet tea bag vertically or sidewardly. In a vertical compression embodiment, a lid has an integral press element that compresses the tea bag against a tea bag support means in the bottom of the container upon applying pressure to the lid. In a sideward compression embodiment, a flexible container retains the tea bag during sideward compression, such as between the thumb and fingers, for releasing tea liquid from the bag. The tea bag press-container assembly is designed to reduce staining and mess on saucers, tables and fabric caused by a dripping tea bag and provides efficient extraction and pouring of tea liquid into an existing beverage, or the brewing of an additional beverage.