Final answer:
In 'Hills Like White Elephants,' Anis del Toro is noted to have a licorice taste, which reflects its anise-base. The drink's mention helps explore character dynamics and provides a symbolic moment within the couple's serious discussion.
Step-by-step explanation:
In Ernest Hemingway's short story Hills Like White Elephants, the taste of Anis del Toro is not explicitly described in detail. The story mentions the drink only in the context of it having a licorice taste, which is a characteristic flavor of anise-based liquors such as Anis del Toro. The conversation about the taste of the drink serves as a subtle tool for character development and to highlight the underlying tension between the couple discussing a serious personal issue. It also provides a momentary distraction from the tension-filled discussion regarding an operation, possibly an allusion to abortion, which is the central conflict of the story.