If it is a persistant sore throat you should also gargle with warm water and salt. The honey, lemon, and whiskey will soothe it, but the water and salt will make the irritation go away.
Honey soothes and is also a natural antiseptic. As others have said add what your mood takes you - lemon, brandy. whisky. In work I add cider vinegar. Some honey is said to have higher antiseptic qualities than others but they all soothe.