WHO needs a Salty Dog when you can lose yourself inside a Volcano?

Indeed, the Dog has had its day – along with the Appletini and the Cosmopolitan. They’re all so last century.

Instead, bring on the Volcano, the Chucumber and the Mojitini – just a few of the latest libations out there.

In its hunt for the finest, The Post has scoured the city’s bars for the best summer concoctions (granted, it’s not an especially arduous assignment).

Here they are, along with a word to the wise: Don’t try to make these at home. They’re way too complicated.

THE VOLCANO

What it is: This creative explosion by mixologist Gary Sokolov, general manager of the Cocktail Room, is served in a huge painted bowl – and is meant to be shared.

“It seems to remind people of their summer vacations,” says Sokolov. “It’s also great for couples on a first date, because it gives them something to talk about.”

What’s in it: Vodka or Captain Morgan rum and Amaretto are mixed with orange, pineapple and cranberry juices. The drink is garnished with fresh strawberries, raspberries and slices of lime, orange and kiwi, and topped with a flaming cherry doused in liquor

Price: $22

Verdict: A slice of Miami on the Upper East Side

Where to find it: The Cocktail Room, 334 E. 73rd St., between First and Second avenues; (212) 988-6100

JOSEPH’S MOJITINI

What it is: Basically, this is a mojito made with vodka instead of rum and served in a martini glass.

What’s in it: Vodka, mint leaves and crushed ice are added to sugar-cane juice, squeezed in Joseph’s own cane presser.

“It’s a pretty cool machine,” says bartender Sherry Ward, “especially when you’ve had a bad day and want to take your aggression out on something.”

Price: $12

Verdict: “Delicious, and very, very minty,” said Barbara Pessell, an advertising executive visiting from Ohio.

Where to find it: Joseph’s, 1240 Sixth Ave., at 49th Street; (212) 332-1515

THE CHUCUMBER

What it is: This cool-as-a-cucumber drink works equally well as a palate-teasing accompaniment to sushi or a refreshing blast by itself.

What’s in it: Sochu, a vodka-like Japanese spirit gives the drink its kick, plus freshly juiced cucumber, lemon juice and a dash of the Spanish liqueur 43. The garnish? A chunk of cucumber, of course.

Price: $10

Verdict: The extremely delicate flavor – it tastes almost like watermelon – hides a seriously potent drink. There’s plenty of bang for your buck.

Where to find it: Sushi Samba, 87 Seventh Avenue South, between Bleecker and West Fourth streets; (212) 691-7885

THE GIN-BERRY FIZZ

What it is: A gin fizz gets spiked up for hot nights.

What’s in it: Gin and strawberry liqueur are mixed with lemon juice, and muddled strawberries and raspberries. Champagne, rather than soda, gives the concoction its fizz. It’s served in a pilsner glass and garnished with strawberries and raspberries.

Price: $10

Verdict: Mark Grossich’s modern twist on a classic is bound to rescue the gin fizz from obscurity. It’s crisp, clever and buzzing with flavor.

Where to find it: World Bar, Trump World Tower, 845 UN Plaza, at First Avenue and 47th Street; (212) 935-9361

THE NISSANI

What it is: This classic summer cocktail is loaded with alcohol and named for the real estate broker who found the location for this brand new Midtown restaurant/lounge.

What’s in it: Bacardi Limon, Malibu rum, watermelon liqueur and sour mix are shaken furiously over ice and served with a splash of Sprite in a large tumbler.

Price: $10

Verdict: Pure “Hawaii Five-0”

Where to find it: Bogart’s, 99 Park Ave., at 39th Street; (212) 922-9244

HONEY, DON’T

What it is: This smooth, light summer cocktail was devised by star mixologist Marty Vaz. As its name suggests, the Honey, Don’t can get you in a lot of trouble – or a lot of fun.

What’s in it: Drambuie and gin are shaken with ice and poured over a dollop of clover honey. Broken down like that, it doesn’t sound very good, but the taste is to die for.

Verdict: The flavor of Scotch whisky in the Drambuie is brought out by the sweetness of the honey; the gin just smooths everything off.

Where to find it: Town, 15 W. 56th St., between Fifth and Sixth avenues; (212) 582- 4445

SGROPPINO

What it is: More a slush puppy than a cocktail, this is one of those deceptively sweet drinks that will leave you begging for more – and drooling like a fool if you get it.

What’s in it: Citrus vodka and champagne are topped with a huge dollop of lemon sorbet for good measure.

Price: $10

Verdict: This is the ultimate summer cocktail.

Where to find it: Temple Bar, 332 Lafayette, between Houston and Bleecker streets; (212) 925-4242