No! It is never alcohol, it is usually paraffine or isoparaffine. Some **skilled and experienced** artists add a little bit of alcohol (vodka and similar) so that the liquid does not taste so bad and also it’s more spectacular, as alcohol is volatile (think of the flame on flamboyant dishes or cocktails). But it is dangerous as it increases the chance that flames go in reverse and the liquid inside the mouth might catch fire. Not advisable and absolutely not for a beginner. And of course, only for breathing fire.
I am surprised you can’t find a male to teach you in the NYC area. Perhaps one of the ladies who would be willing to teach you, can suggest a male?