Help. . I'm getting a scratchy throat. . .?

Well, you all know us Floridians aren't used to the colder weather, so as soon as it started getting chilly, my throat is starting to get scratchy and I'm coughing a bit. I want to try and ...

Well, you all know us Floridians aren't used to the colder weather, so as soon as it started getting chilly, my throat is starting to get scratchy and I'm coughing a bit. I want to try and stop it before it gets really bad, I heard lemon juice is great, but I forget the recipe for your throat. Is it hot or cold water you put the lemon juice in? Also, do you guys know any other home remedies, or stuff that won't make ya drowsy for work? Thanks ahead of time! :)
Additional Details
thanks honestop, I guess I'll start keeping some honey on hand cause I read that somewhere too. . :)

Zucchinisinratatouille	I agree that Zinc really helps - you can take it in tablets from the supermarket. Honey catches in my throat so isn't so good for me.... Warm rather than cold water is better to drink. Milk is not advisable as it helps to form mucus. Once the symptoms kick in I put a few drops of Eucalyptus oil under my pillow so I can breathe and sleep better. [It doesn't stain the sheets!] An antihistamine nasal spray of the kind that's used for hay fever may help dry up your nose.

libbyl	warm apple cider,with or without lemon.Gargle with Scope.

mickey	Gargle with warm salt water. Salt is a natural healer.

Sirena	Juice of one fresh lemon plus enough honey to sweeten, then add hot (not boiling) water. If you can find Manuka honey (from your health food store) that's even better.

gami1996	zinc lozenges (cold-eeze) work really well at first sign of catching something (take it from someone who lives in Chicago!). A teaspoon of honey at bedtime, beleive it or not, actually is GREAT for easing cough and promoting sleep in children, but sounds like it should work for anyone (scientific study recently came out--see link).