In this research work, the four ternary blends were prepared with 30% and 40% by volume of higher alcohol (decanol and hexanol) with biodiesel while maintain 50% of diesel concentration. All ternary blends of diesel-biodiesel-higher alcohols were used in single cylinder engine and the results were compared with binary blend of 50%-50% biodiesel, pure diesel and biodiesel. It was revealed that thermal efficiency of ternary blends was higher than biodiesel and in some cases it is closer to pure diesel. In contrary, specific fuel consumption is found to lower with increase in alcohol fractions in ternary blends. Moreover, hydrocarbon, smoke, carbon monoxide emissions from alcohol-infused fuel blends were observed to be lower than both biodiesel and pure diesel. Significant reduction in oxides of nitrogen (NOx) emissions was also observed by the addition of higher alcohols to the fuel blend when compared to biodiesel fuel. It is to be noted that decanol 40% addition with diesel and biodiesel blend has shown better results in emission characteristics. Furthermore, the heat release rate and in-cylinder pressure for biodiesel were significantly lower compared to pure diesel fuels. However, addition of 40% decanol with fuel blend improved the heat release rate and in-cylinder pressure. (C) 2019 Elsevier Ltd. All rights reserved.