Densities and speeds of sound have been determined for the binary mixture (1-butylpyridinium tetrafluoroborate + methanol, or ethanol) over the temperature range 293.15 K to 323.15 K. From experimental values, excess volume and excess isentropic compressibility have been calculated. The mixtures give negative values for the excess properties. Besides, (vapour + liquid) equilibrium in isothermal conditions has been obtained for these systems at T = 303.15 K and T = 323.15 K, which has allowed us to derive activity coefficients and excess Gibbs functions. Positive deviations from Raoult's law have been found. A detailed analysis and interpretation of results have been carried out in structural and energetic terms using thermodynamic information of the pure compounds. (C) 2010 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.