The density and surface tension for pure ionic liquid N-octyl-pyridinium nitrate were measured from (293.15 to 328.15) K. The coefficient of thermal expansion, molecular volume, standard entropies, and lattice energy were calculated from the experimental density values. The critical temperature, surface entropy, surface enthalpy, and enthalpy of vaporization were also studied from the experimental surface tension results. Density and surface tension were also determined for binary mixtures of (N-octylpyridinium nitrate + alcohol) ( methanol, ethanol, and 1-butanol) systems over the whole composition range at 298.15 K and atmospheric pressure. Excess molar volumes and surface tension deviations for the binary systems have been calculated and were fitted to a Redlich-Kister equation to determine the fitting parameters and the root mean square deviations. The partial molar volume, excess partial molar volume, and apparent molar volume of the component IL and alcohol in the binary mixtures were also discussed. (C) 2011 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.