Anise hyssop has a strong aroma, a combination of licorice, root beer, basil, tarragon, and mint, and carries a scent similar to the smell of crushed fennel seeds.

It has a sweet flavor well-suited for fresh, cooked, and dried applications. The leaves and flowers are edible, often steeped into hot water to make an herbal tea, or they can be blended into smoothies, cocktails, and warm drinks such as hot chocolate.