The definition of a solute is “the minor in a solution, dissolved in a solvent.” If the alcohol has a lower volume than the water in this solution, that will make the alcohol the solute. The amount of solute that can be dissolved into a solvent changes with temperature. Water is the most common solvent used by living things.
Common uses for organic solvents are found in things such as paint thinners, nail polish removers, dry cleaning, and spot removers. In the solution of alcohol and water, if the water was dissolved into alcohol and had a lower volume, the alcohol would be the solvent.