Little sips of Benedictine or Drambuie are rather nice (hic!)

Seriously though, a few years ago a naturopath gave me a recipe for what she called her "virus buster". It was hot water with lemon, ginger and a small amount of chilli. It works wonderfully well - has stopped quite a few colds in their tracks - and as long as you don't overdo the chilli, is also soothing on a sore throat. I have sometimes used lemsip instead of lemon juice and that is very good.

I have also taken some stuff called "Astraforte" which contains astragalus, in hot water, and have found it very soothing.

In fact, I find that the heat in these drinks is an important factor. A cold drink seems to make it worse, and you should definitely stay away from anything milky when you have a sore throat or cough.